Chapter 2: A Deal, and Regrets

A Wall and One’s Pride

???: One day, you will be forgotten. All of the things you’ve ever given, all of the things you’ve ever shown, everything, everyone– all of it will disappear, far beyond memory’s reach.
???: You will no longer be the person they wish to see, and your song will no longer be the music they want to hear.
???: After all, that’s what happened to your younger brother. Right, Nanase Ten?
Kujou Ten: …….

Kujou Ten: …….
Kujou Ten: Kujou-san’s not picking up.
Kujou Ten: Who in the world was that boy…….

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …I see……. Okay. Yeah, I’ll call again…….
Yaotome Gaku: Is Ryuu on the phone with his family?
Kujou Ten: It doesn’t sound like a particularly happy call either, which is surprising. I wonder if something happened….
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sorry for the wait….
Yaotome Gaku: Ryuu, what’s wrong?
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: ……When they tried to pass the phone to my second youngest brother, he said that he didn’t want to talk to me.
Yaotome Gaku: Did you guys fight?
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Not exactly. More like…. He got his first girlfriend recently and was really happy about it….
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Apparently she told him, “If you won’t let me meet your older brother, then there’s no point in going out with you” and dumped him…….
Yaotome Gaku: What the hell? That girl is fucking awful! Tell him that breaking up was the right choice.
Kujou Ten: That’s not something Ryuu can easily say, given his standpoint in this situation.
Yaotome Gaku: Why?
Kujou Ten: This is why only kids are so…….
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Haa ……. He must be hurting a lot…….
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: What should I do? If he keeps on refusing to speak to me…….
Kujou Ten: …….
Kujou Ten: He’s your younger brother, so I’m sure he’ll be fine. Even if he gets hurt, he has a kind and strong heart. All he needs is time.
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Ten–!
Kujou Ten: Don’t hug me. It’s stifling…….
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I was just really moved. Thank you.
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: ……I didn’t think I’d cause trouble for my family by entering the showbiz.
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I don’t think they have been bullied, but apparently my youngest brother has gotten teased before. Stuff like, ‘So are you sexy like your brother?’
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I didn’t really think about it this whole time, but I’ll ask if they can stop marketing me as sexy and switch to some other method.
Kujou Ten: …That’s oversimplifying it. You can’t change your image that easily, as if you were just switching from left to right.
Yaotome Gaku: Come on, don’t say that. ……Well, I don’t think the old man would budge unless you found something that works better, but…….
Kujou Ten: You need to have an alternative marketing strategy if you really do want to change it. What is your specialty?
Yaotome Gaku: If you really don’t like how things are now, then I’ll help you out too. What general direction were you gonna change to?
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …….
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Maybe something along the lines of 'The Singing Onii-san ’– click
Yaotome Sousuke: What is this 'Singing Onii-san ’ nonsense? You fool!
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Ah– President….
Yaotome Sousuke: TRIGGER is going to surpass Re:vale this year. And the one who has the most potential to make TRIGGER the best in the nation is….
Yaotome Sousuke: You, Ryuunosuke.
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Me?
Yaotome Sousuke: Yes. You have until the end of this year to create a character that will leave just as much of an impression as Gaku or Ten.
Yaotome Gaku: Stop telling him act out a character! Just let Ryuu be himself–
Yaotome Sousuke: Silence! Compared to Gaku and Ten, you are lacking in hunger.
Yaotome Sousuke: “I’m gonna sleep with every last woman in Japan and make them mine!!”
That is the level of greed you must have, if not more!
Yaotome Gaku: Are you sure this is something you should be saying in front of your son…?
Kujou Ten: I am a minor, by the way.
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …This is so TRIGGER can be the best in the nation…….
Yaotome Sousuke: Precisely. You have the talent and capabilities to be the center of a group, had I not placed you in TRIGGER. Show me that you possess the drive and ambition to push Gaku and Ten out of your way.
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …….
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: ……Understood. I’ll do my best.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Oh. It’s Momorin and Yukirin. Morning.
Osaka Sougo: You mean Momo-san and Yuki-san, right? Good morning.
Momo: Oh! We’re filming with MEZZO" today, huh! Wanna take a look at one of our hot studs as a wake up call? His name is Yuki, by the way.
Yuki: I’m Yuki, the one he just introduced. I look forward to working with you. Oh……?
Momo: Wah…! It’s Ban-san! What’s going on!?
Ogami Banri: Good morning. I’m here today as MEZZO"’s manager. Please take care of these boys during filming today.
Momo: So that’s what’s happening!
Yotsuba Tamaki: Hahah. Hey Momorin, I bet you’re jealous that Ban-chan’s our manager. Right? Right?
Momo: …I am……. Actually! It’d be too much to handle! How are you guys okay!?
Osaka Sougo: That’s a good point……. If he’s too much for Momo-san, a senpai, to handle, then perhaps I too should re-evaluate my behavior and attitude towards him…….
Ogami Banri: Oh no, definitely not. I’m your manager, after all.
Yuki: Oh? So you’re a manager now?
Ogami Banri: I’m actually enjoying myself a lot. Both of them are much less of a hassle to deal with than you were, back in high school.
Yotsuba Tamaki: Yukirin was a hassle?
Ogami Banri: This guy over here doesn’t know how to function in daily life. He can’t get up in the morning, he’s terrible about managing his lines of communication, and he can’t remember anybody’s face…….
Yuki: You were good at that, so it all worked out.
Momo: Woah! We’re getting the inside scoop on Re:vale!! I’m super duper excited…!!
Osaka Sougo: …Everyone’s connected in such a complicated manner…….
Ogami Banri: Ah, um. Sorry about that. I’ll properly call you Yuki-san and Momo-san.
Yuki: Go ahead.
Momo: No! That is absolutely unimaginable! Please don’t……!!
Yotsuba Tamaki: Can I call you guys Momorin and Yukirin? Also, are you cool with being called Ban-chan, Ban-chan?
Momo: Calling him 'Ban-chan’ is just way too casual!
Ogami Banri: I apologize. I’ll be sure to tell him that.
Momo: Wait, no! That’s not what I was trying to do…!
Yuki: I don’t mind being called Yukirin.
Osaka Sougo: B-by who…? By Tamaki-kun? By Banri-san? By me?
Momo: Okay, let’s pull ourselves together! Everybody, just act like how you normally do! It feels like everything’s getting mixed up!
Yotsuba Tamaki: You’re the one who’s the most mixed up, though.
Momo: S-sorry…….
Yuki: You were just happy to see Ban, right?
Momo: That goes for you too, Yuki! Ban-san, I look forward to working with you! We’ll be tossing questions left and right at MEZZO" today!
Momo: Ban-san in a suit…. You look super duper handsome!
Ogami Banri: Thank you, Momo-kun. I’m gonna keep you pumped up, all night long. (1)
Momo: Ahhhhh! He’s so hot …!!
Yotsuba Tamaki: Momorin, you’re freaking out a little too much!!
Osaka Sougo: S-so cool…….
Ogami Banri: Sorry about that…. It kind of just slipped out when Momo-kun did that fan call, so out of reflex…….
Yuki: Say it to me too.
Ogami Banri: There was never a need to rile you up like the crowd, though. Because you were right by my side.
Momo: …….
Ogami Banri: If I recall correctly, you’re currently filming a movie with Yamato-kun right? Please take care of that boy too.
Yuki: What is this, a business call?

Izumi Iori: Come on, Nanase-san! We’re going to be late! Do you have everything?
Nanase Riku: Wait! My wallet, my wallet…….
Izumi Iori: Look inside your bag’s inner pocket!
Nanase Riku: Oh! It’s there! We’ll be on our way now!
Izumi Mitsuki: …….
Rokuya Nagi: …….
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Nanase Riku: …Huh? What’s going on? Are they sleeping with their eyes open…?
Izumi Iori: What a strange atmosphere…. Ah, we have to hurry! We’re leaving!
Izumi Mitsuki: Ah…. Safe travels!
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Nikaidou Yamato: Well, I gotta go to work too.
Rokuya Nagi: –Yamato.
Izumi Mitsuki: Nagi, don’t.
Rokuya Nagi: Why not?
Izumi Mitsuki: There’s no point in asking him if he doesn’t wanna talk about it. It’s gonna take some time, and that’s different for everyone.
Rokuya Nagi: Mitsuki, it’s not because I want to know what Yamato’s secret is.
Rokuya Nagi: It’s because Yamato is purposefully allowing the atmosphere to deteriorate between the three of us– and I cannot accept that. (2)
Rokuya Nagi: As for Yamato’s secret? I’ll just wash it down, much like I would a bowl of cereal. Yamato, please don’t draw borders between us. (3)
Nikaidou Yamato: Ahaha. If you’re talkin’ national borders, then they’ve been there since the beginning.
Rokuya Nagi: ……What do you mean?
Nikaidou Yamato: Unlike you, a returnee, I have ochazuke for breakfast– not cereal. That’s the answer to all your questions.
Nikaidou Yamato: You’re pouring tea on top of rice, instead of milk onto cereal. That’s what different. But that difference holds more weight than any passport could. The tragedy begins here, and ends here.
Nikaidou Yamato: You’ll realize it someday. Well, I gotta go now. slam
Rokuya Nagi: ……What in the world was that man talking about?
Izumi Mitsuki: He was trying to throw you off, and he did it.
Rokuya Nagi: …… Shit!
Izumi Mitsuki: Haa ……. We gotta get ready soon too.
Rokuya Nagi: Why didn’t you say anything, Mitsuki? Weren’t you shocked?
Izumi Mitsuki: I…. How should I put it…….
Izumi Mitsuki: I wanna believe in him– in Yamato-san. I wanna believe that he’ll talk about it with us. And until he decides to do that, we gotta wait for him.
Izumi Mitsuki: There are times when a man just wants to put up airs. Times when you don’t wanna let anybody see just how disgraceful you are.
Izumi Mitsuki: I was the same. I didn’t want to complain to anyone. But in the end, I got help.
Izumi Mitsuki: Some things you just gotta figure out on your own. That’s what a man’s pride is all about.
Rokuya Nagi: …….
Rokuya Nagi: I cannot agree with that. If you can’t show anyone your true self, then all you’re doing is repressing yourself.
Rokuya Nagi: And that’s not healthy at all. You will still be loved, just the way you are– why doubt that?
Izumi Mitsuki: …Because it’s terrifying. You don’t know if people will accept or acknowledge that side of you, the side you didn’t want people to know about.
Izumi Mitsuki: It’s tough, and that’s something you’d want to do at your own pace, right? I’d feel bad bothering someone about it.
Rokuya Nagi: …….
Izumi Mitsuki: Yamato-san’s gonna start filming today, huh. I can’t really imagine what filming a movie’s like, but Yuki-san’s gonna be there too….
Izumi Mitsuki: Yamato-san’s really good at acting though, so I’m sure he’s doing great!

To be continued….

TL Notes/comments:

TY KURI FOR PROOFING!! Half of this was done at ass o’ clock at night (3-5 am), the other half was done uh… like 12 hours later with occasional laundry+food+etc breaks LOL

(1) technically speaking this is supposed to have a “let’s” and a “together” somewhere in there but it didn’t feel Band Frontman-y enough or smooth enough (GOD THE WAY OKITSU SAYS THIS LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) sO I!! Yeah. BOY. I CANT BELIVE “BAN-SAN MECHAKUCHA KAKKOII” WAS HIS FAN CALL

(2) FIRST OFF, THANK YOU SO MUCH DANIELLE (@berselium) FOR HELPING ME W/ THIS LINE! I had immense difficulty with this line because he uses the phrase 錆ついた空気 (lit. rusted atmosphere), and while sabitsuita could also mean “to lose skill at” etcetc. I scoured every dictionary/did a lot of googling and couldn’t find any additional nuances, and “rust” was all i got … im p sure ive heard this word used in the context of 錆付いた銀色鎖に (brownie pts if u know the franchise!!) so I was super stuck. All credit for this line goes to Danielle!!! all i did was super ultra minor rearranging (em dash’d smth and stuck a phrase at the end). ANYWAYS “rusted” is the metaphorical thing going on here, because that’s what yamato’s doing to their lines of communication, even though their friends.

(3) i was not havin a gr8 time with this section man, nagi uses the word 国境 which i wouldve localized to something less Strange than 'border" buTHT EHN YAMATO uses the exact same word but plays off of a different nuance to it. Im

As usual, if you see any mistakes/mistranslations/etc, please message me!

Thank you for reading!!

 

Unknown Wound

Director: Hmm……. Not quite.
Nikaidou Yamato: Ah……. Sorry….
Director: Did you read the original work?
Nikaidou Yamato: I did.
Director: In the last scene, the police and his father break into the collection room, right? There, he yells at his father:
Director: “Father, this is all your fault!” I want that to be a little more intense. Can you try saying this line again?
Nikaidou Yamato: Father, this is all your fault!
Director: Hmm……. Again.
Nikaidou Yamato: Father…. This is all your fault!
Director: Hmm……. Haha, sorry. It’s not bad, though.
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Director: Idols are really good at acting. This goes for Yuki-kun as well.
Director: They’ve all got superb pacing. And because they’re used to it, when they gotta deliver something, they deliver it with a bang! When you ask them to do something, they present it in a really good way.
Director: Their expressions and voices are like direct attacks to the viewers’ hearts. Bam! Just like a heart massage, y'know? They’re so cool– I’m always mesmerized.
Director: But for this last scene, I don’t want something that just straightforwardly tugs at the heartstrings. I want it to pull something out from deep inside their hearts and leave a lasting impression on the viewers.
Director: I want you to throw away the skills you’ve honed as a master artisan and be more like an artist. That way you’ll be able to draw out the true depth of the original work and be more persuasive as an actor.
Director: For example, Chiba Shizuo-san’s– Ah…….
Nikaidou Yamato: ……It’s fine. What about Shizuo-san?
Director: Shizuo-san’s acting in “The Crescent Moon Wolf.” That famous scene where the rōnin glares down the enemy group in the moonlit night, after his wife and daughter have been killed.
Director: Everyone knew that Shizuo-san was good at striking poses. He’d give ‘em a single glare, and then settle the scene with a bang.
Director: But, Shizuo-san just stood still and gazed at the enemy.
Director: The audience could only hold their breath, as if they forgot to breathe. They felt the rōnin’s anguish, resentment, and determination– as if they were their own feelings.
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Director: That’s what I want you to bring out for the last scene. Don’t think of this as entertainment, be less aware of that fact. It’s okay. I know you can do it, Nikaidou-kun.
Nikaidou Yamato: ……I understand. I’ll try it out.

Director: Haa ……. This sure is difficult…….
Yuki: Director.
Director: Woah! Yuki-kun, you surprised me there….
Yuki: I think it’d be better if you gave him more concrete instructions.
Yuki: Telling him to be less of an artisan and more of an artist is much too abstract and extreme for a new actor. I myself would’ve been thrown into utter disarray, gone crazy, and burst into haka.
Director: Haka? You mean that Maori dance……?
Yuki: Yep. I’d be so confused, that I’d have no other choice but to try to inspire you. Be thorough with him, as you were with me. (2)
Director: No way, it’s impossible for me to boss Shizuo-san’s son around like that. My palms were sweating just now…….
Yuki: I don’t think Shizuo-san would mind.
Director: No, no. You see, one of my old teachers got a call– from Shizuo-san.
Director: Apparently Shizuo-san had heard that his son would be starring in one of my movies, and gave me his regards. My mentor gave gave me a hefty warning, told me not to destroy his reputation. Absolutely terrifying.
Director: Well, he’s young and it’s a really crucial time for him right now. But didn’t he get trained by Shizuo-san? I’m sure he’s getting advice from him as he goes.
Yuki: …….
Director: He’s not? So those rumors about them not getting along are true? Is that why he debuted as an idol outside of Hoshikage?
Yuki: ……. You won’t be getting anything out of me.
Director: Gotcha. I won’t ask. Well, if it’s Nikaidou-kun, I’m sure he’ll be okay.
Director: Both you and Nikaidou-kun are great actors full of potential. I don’t even wanna call you idol actors at this point.
Director: You never get confused either– You’re an artist, through and through. You’re keen and sensitive, you go at your own pace, and you’re lonely.
Yuki: Lonely? Please don’t say that. I’ve been working with my partner for five years now, and I’m also senpai to many younger stars.
Director: Really? I’ve been doing this job for a long, long time, so I’m really familiar with people like you.
Director: People like you are like flowing rivers, you see? You won’t stop by anyone’s side, nor do you let anyone stop by your side.
Director: But if the stream is brought to a halt, then the water becomes dirty and clouded. That’s why even the people you love leave so freely, because they know you’re like that.
Yuki: …….
Director: Shizuo-san is exactly like that too. Nobody can fully understand that man’s charms and appeals– he is brilliant, high and unreachable.
Director: ……Perhaps that’s the reason why he isn’t cut out for family life…….

Nikaidou Yamato: Artisan…? …Artist? Something that doesn’t pull at the heartstrings, but instead pulls it out of their heart……?
Nikaidou Yamato: …I don’t really get it……. I gotta kick it up a notch and properly study, huh…….
Nikaidou Yamato: Maybe I should try asking him again? No…….
Nikaidou Yamato: …….He’s only gonna compare me to that man again.
Natsume Minami: Nikaidou-san.
Nikaidou Yamato: Ah…….
Natsume Minami: I’m Natsume Minami. I play that girl’s fiancé, the one who you massacre. You had quite a long chat with the director.
Nikaidou Yamato: Yeah. I didn’t have a good understanding of the work, that’s all.
Natsume Minami: The director has great expectations for you. After all, you’re the son of Japan’s most famous and representative actor.
Nikaidou Yamato: ……. So you know too?
Natsume Minami: It’s because I’m from Hoshikage Entertainment. Even if you take that into account, very few people know about it right now.
Nikaidou Yamato: I see…….
Natsume Minami: But wouldn’t it be nice if this didn’t get leaked to the weekly magazines in a convoluted manner?
Natsume Minami: If that happened then both Shizuo-san, universally known a devoted husband, and IDOLiSH7 will have their images dragged down.
Natsume Minami: That topic is a little too graphic for an idol group that’s marketed as bright, fresh, and wholesome, isn’t it?
Nikaidou Yamato: ……. That's…. true…….
Natsume Minami: Oh, don’t be sad. If you achieve a lot through this movie, then you’ll be able to shrug off all of the negativity.
Natsume Minami: You’re very talented, Nikaidou-san. You could continue on and survive as a fully fledged actor instead, even if IDOLiSH7’s popularity falls.
Nikaidou Yamato: ……Haha. So you’re saying that I’m the only one who ends up escaping, even though I sank that ship?
Nikaidou Yamato: As if I could do something like that–
Natsume Minami: But it’s going to happen sooner or later, is it not?
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Natsume Minami: Ahaha…. You really do resemble him when you glare. Shizuo-san, that is.
Natsume Minami: By the way, men who have small irises are highly suspicious of others, with a fiery temperament like an untamed horse. They’re belligerent, and tend to resort to lowly and cunning methods. (1)
Nikaidou Yamato: Oh? Then how about I use some of those lowly and cunning methods to shut your mouth?
Natsume Minami: Ahaha. Pardon me, I meant no harm. It’s just that I found it a little…. hilarious.
Natsume Minami: I look forward to seeing your activities. Excuse me.
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Nikaidou Yamato: …Fuck…….

Mister Shimooka: Our guest this week is IDOLiSH7! And boy are they popular…!
Nanase Riku: Thank you very much! It’s all thanks to everyone!
Mister Shimooka: I’ve been cheering them on ever since they debuted, so I’m really moved too! What do you think of the current idol craze, Riku-kun?
Mister Shimooka: The number of idol fans and, of course, the number of people aiming to be idols just keeps going up!
Nanase Riku: That makes me really happy! It was also my dream to be an idol, ever since I was a kid!
Nanase Riku: I’ll do my best to make the people who love idols and the people aiming to be idols happy!
Audience: Kyaaaaa…!

Girl: IDOLiSH7’s so amazing…! I’m glad I supported them this whole time!
Older Sister: You’ve gotten more friends lately too.
Girl: Yeah! I have all of the old articles about IDOLiSH7, and I’ve been showing it to the other girls in my class!
Mother: You’re so popular now! Aren’t you glad you’re a fan of IDOLiSH7?
Girl: Yep!

OL: We got more hits on our website! I’m happy that the number of IDOLiSH7 fans is increasing!
OL: Can’t even keep up with them nowadays! We gotta do our best to update from now on!

Mister Shimooka: Good job, Mitsuki-kun! Your responses were on fire today! You just keep getting better and better with words!
Izumi Mitsuki: Thank you very much!
Mister Shimooka: You made it easier for the other guests to talk, and I’m really glad someone like you is in IDOLiSH7. No wonder you guys are so popular!
Izumi Mitsuki: Ehehe. It’s not like that at all, but thank you very much. I’m really happy!
Mister Shimooka: I’m a lot less worried about Yamato-kun now. Sure he’s got that Chiba Salon thing, but if anything happens you’ll be there to follow-up.
Izumi Mitsuki: …….
Mister Shimooka: Hoshikage-san’s been real noisy about it lately, so I was a little concerned…. But I’m relieved after watching you guys today!
Izumi Mitsuki: Um…. Uh…….
Mister Shimooka: ……Wait, you don’t know? You haven’t heard anything?
Izumi Mitsuki: Ah….. No…….
Mister Shimooka: No way! You guys are such good friends though…. But you haven’t heard a single thing about this……?
Izumi Mitsuki: …….
Mister Shimooka: Ah, no– I see……. Sorry about that. Forget what I just said.
Izumi Mitsuki: ……Shimaoka-san, just what is 'Chiba Salon?’
Mister Shimooka: I’m sorry! Please forget it! I can’t tell you anything, especially because I’m not a part of Hoshikage…. I…. I was so sure you knew about it…….
Izumi Mitsuki: It’s okay, I understand….
Mister Shimooka: I’m really sorry about that! Well, I’ll see you later….
Izumi Mitsuki: It’s fine, good work today…….
Izumi Mitsuki: …….
Izumi Mitsuki: We…… We are good friends……. Right…?

To be continued….

TL Notes/comments:

Sorry for the wait!! both me and kuri were dying over exams (Esp kuri), and thank you as always for proofreading and catching my 102938129038 stupid 2-5 am typos!!!

(1) The eye type minami describes is actually just one where you can see the whites of the eye at the bottom lashline normally but that’s way too goddamn long even for this bad luck + death flag fortune cookie kiddo. ALSO, methods is kinda shoehorned in for smoother tling of yamato’s line in response to this.

(2) dunno why Yuki talks about inspiration here but Okay.
Other TL things to note: Director. BOY the way he speaks is kinda fun, very much so an artistic type (nice metaphors bro) and very enthusiastic. I was a bit more liberal with his lines bc of that.
Artisan vs artist: if you google you get “An artist is a person who performs any of the creative arts. This can range from painting to music. An artisan, on the other hand, is a skilled worker who makes things by hand” from the second result. Usually I’d go with craftsman but in this case, to up the confusion factor, I chose artisan.
My brain also kept trying to mix Chiba and Shizuo and I repeatedly typed Chizuo instead of Shizuo LMAO
I cannot stress how important it is to listen thru the story because holy cow, I love what Shirai did with the “father this is all your fault!!!” line! The text is actually the same in the story script, but I’ve reformatted the translation a bit so it reads like how it sounds in Japanese (love U shirai).
Um also at some point in time I ended up in the youtube rabbit hole of watching haka videos!!! They’re so cool and also v addicting to watch, just wow. Wow.

As usual, if you see any mistakes/mistranslations/etc, please message me!

Thank you for reading!!

 

As Long as I’m Here

Nanase Riku: Good work today!
Staff: Good work Riku-kun, Iori-kun! I’m glad you two are regulars on our quiz show!
Staff: There’s a really good balance between Riku-kun’s ridiculous answers and Iori-kun’s insightful ones!
Nanase Riku: ‘Ridiculous!?’
Izumi Iori: Saying that the capital of India is 'Garam Masala’ is quite ridiculous.
Staff: Ahaha! I thought you were playing stupid, but you’re very cool on music shows!
Staff: You two are the face of IDOLiSH7, so make sure you liven up all the shows with the rest of your group! Good work today!
Izumi Iori: Thank you very much.
Nanase Riku: ……Was he praising me just now? Ah, Iori. That’s the other guest star, Hanamaki-san. Good work today.
Hanamaki Sumire: …Thank you…….
Nanase Riku: ……Are you okay? You look really pale.
Hanamaki Sumire: Ahaha……. I’m just a little tired.
Izumi Iori: You’ve been really busy lately. I heard you’re in the middle of releasing a CD every month. On top of that, you also just filmed a music video and held a handshake event…….
Hanamaki Sumire: I haven’t been able to sleep lately……. My agency has been pushing me forward, so I have to do my best for them too.
Hanamaki Sumire: I……. I don’t really know how to talk about it with my agency…. When they just go off on me I just don’t know what to do.
Hanamaki Sumire: All of my friends and family are in the countryside, so there’s no one I can talk to……. ….I apologize for talking about something like this…….
Nanase Riku: ……Are you alright?
Hanamaki Sumire: IDOLiSH7 is so close to the people in their agency, I’m really jealous……. Your manager looks really nice too…….
Nanase Riku: I think it’s best if you talk it out with your agency. But if it doesn’t work out, why don’t you come over to our agency?
Hanamaki Sumire: Huh……?
Izumi Iori: Nanase-san!
Nanase Riku: The President, managers, and everyone at Takanashi Productions are all really nice. Everybody gets along well! They also prioritize your health–
Hanamaki Sumire: Is it really okay?
Izumi Iori: I am truly sorry for overstepping our boundaries. Please take time to think it through, after consulting and discussing with your agency.
Izumi Iori: Nanase-san, let’s go.
Nanase Riku: Wait– Hanamaki-san, don’t push yourself too hard! Good work today!
Hanamaki Sumire: Thank you…….

Nanase Riku: –What the heck, Iori!
Izumi Iori: Are you an idiot? Agency switches are a very sensitive topic!
Izumi Iori: If we pulled a top seller like Hanamaki-san away from her agency through such a one-sided discussion, then the entire entertainment industry would scorn Takanashi Productions.
Izumi Iori: They’ve poured so much time and money into raising that star– it would’ve been the same as stealing! Have you already forgotten what almost happened to MEZZO"?
Nanase Riku: But…. It’s just…. She’s gonna get sick if she continues on like that! And why can’t you switch agencies if you want to? Is it really such a bad thing?
Izumi Iori: Not only would they have to find a way to settle the matter peacefully, they would also have to proceed very carefully through discussions……. Hanamaki-san herself would need to work hard to negotiate her side of things as well.
Izumi Iori: I know I wouldn’t be forgiving. If Nanase-san…….
Nanase Riku: If I what?
Izumi Iori: … If he tried to switch agencies because he was dissatisfied with how things were being done, then …….
Izumi Iori: … Even though I’ve done so much to produce Nanase-san, and primarily him…….
Izumi Iori: ……Um, is there anything you are dissatisfied with as of recent? For example, is the schedule too tight? Have you been able to do all of the work you wish to do?
Nanase Riku: What the heck, why are you talking so soothingly all of a sudden? I don’t get it! (1)
Izumi Iori: S-Sorry…… At any rate, we ought to inform the President about this. Ah…….
Izumi Iori: I forgot something in there. Do you mind waiting here for a bit?
Nanase Riku: Yeah, sure. What a weirdo…….

Izumi Iori: …Where did I lose it? It wasn’t in the changing room. My notebook…….
Kujou Takamasa: ……For future promotions, it is viable to change the center again, as we did for PerfGim, during time periods where Nanase-san’s health is prone to deteriorating.
Izumi Iori: ……! You……!
Kujou Takamasa: ……Until then, we absolutely must sell with Nanase Riku. Ideally, IDOLiSH7 would sing the theme song to a drama with Nanase Riku as the lead actor, either within the year or by the start of next year…….
Kujou Takamasa: ……If an offer comes for Nanase-san to star in a supporting role in the drama TRIGGER’s Yaotome-san is currently the lead for, it must be rejected. Anything other than lead actor or theme song is unthinkable.

Kujou Takamasa: ……Oh my.
Izumi Iori: –Please give it back!
Kujou Takamasa: Is this your notebook?
Izumi Iori: So you’ve returned from overseas. How is Yotsuba-san’s younger sister faring?
Kujou Takamasa: Aya is continuing her lessons over there. I got back just yesterday.
Kujou Takamasa: So you’re the one who has been producing IDOLiSH7.
Izumi Iori: ……These are just memos, for my own studies–
Kujou Takamasa: You don’t have to lie.
Izumi Iori: …….
Kujou Takamasa: I looked at your group’s data after the reopening ceremony. IDOLiSH7 has the potential to sell even more.
Kujou Takamasa: It’s because of Nanase Riku’s presence. That boy resembles Zero more than Ten does.
Izumi Iori: ……Are you saying you want to produce for Nanase-san!?
Kujou Takamasa: As if.
Kujou Takamasa: I’ve already had enough of agonizing experiences as is.
Izumi Iori: ……?
Izumi Iori: …What do you mean?
Kujou Takamasa: IDOLiSH7 can definitely sell more than they currently do. However, they won’t be able to continue on for long. They will burn out in a mere instant– just like a falling star.
Kujou Takamasa: Then you won’t need this notebook anymore.
Izumi Iori: …….
Izumi Iori: Old man.
Kujou Takamasa: Old ma– What is it, high schooler?
Izumi Iori: IDOLiSH7 will continue to exist as long as I’m here. I have no intentions of letting it end.
Kujou Takamasa: Declaring that is meaningless. You know nothing about things coming to an end, after all.
Izumi Iori: …….
Kujou Takamasa: It’s just like an abrupt rainstorm, beginning out of nowhere on a sunny day. Everyone believes it’ll be over in a matter of time.
Kujou Takamasa: But the rain continues to fall, and before long, the entire world is flooded and in ruins. There is no Noah’s ark for you or me.
Izumi Iori: …….

Nanase Riku: Iori, did you find it? Iori……?
Izumi Iori: He doesn’t want to produce for Nanase-san because he doesn’t want to experience sadness again ….
Izumi Iori: Producing Kujou Ten is fine, but it’d be agonizing if it were Nanase-san……?
Nanase Riku: What, why are you staring?
Izumi Iori: ……No, it’s nothing.

Yotsuba Tamaki: I’m home. It was fun with Ban-chan.
Osaka Sougo: Indeed. We were able to take our time….
Yotsuba Tamaki: Ahhhhh!!
Osaka Sougo: W-what’s the matter?
Yotsuba Tamaki: There’s books with really scary covers lined up on the table…!
Osaka Sougo: Oh, this? Is it scary?
Osaka Sougo: …“The Most Bizarre Cases in the World,” “Seven Key Ideas in Criminal Psychology,” “Murder Scenes: The Photo Book,” “Necrophiliacs,” “I Ate A Person ~Confessions of a Cannibal~”…….
Yotsuba Tamaki: Stop reading them out loud!!
* click*
Nikaidou Yamato: Ah, those are mine. Sorry.
Osaka Sougo: Yamato-san…. Are these for character building for your movie? It must be a lot to take on.
Yotsuba Tamaki: Don’t you get scared reading those books!? Why do you needa know how a murderer feels!? What are you gonna do with that knowledge!?
Nikaidou Yamato: It’s because I gotta become a murderer soon. Well, I’ll be reading in my room.
Yotsuba Tamaki: Don’t!! What if you wanna start eating people? Please…. Please don’t try to eat us…….
Nikaidou Yamato: Gwuh!
Yotsuba Tamaki: Ahhhhh!!
Nikaidou Yamato: Ahaha! See ya later.
* slam*
Yotsuba Tamaki: Ugh……. Why can’t Yama-san play a nice ramen shop worker instead…….
Osaka Sougo: ……. This is the first time I’ve seen Yamato-san gather so many materials for a role….

Yuki: I’m so tired…..
Okazaki Rinto: Good work, Yuki-kun. You didn’t have to return to the office, especially since you won’t have any breaks for the next 25 days.
Yuki: Where’s Momo?
Okazaki Rinto: He’s here. How was filming?
Yuki: How should I put it….
Yuki: The people themselves aren’t bad, but the relations between said people are not good.
Okazaki Rinto: Oh my…….
Yuki: I’m still not sure what I should do.
Okazaki Rinto: It’s just the first day of filming. Something like that is bound to happen.
Yuki: You’re right. I’m sure Momo would’ve handled it just fine, but…. I’m a river…….
Okazaki Rinto: ……River?
*click*
Momo: Yuki, you came? Great work today! Oh? You don’t seem too good?
Yuki: Momo. If I were a river…….
Momo: River? Well that was sudden.
Yuki: What would you do?
Momo: Huh? Swim, I guess? If I can fish there, then I’d fish? And if I can go rafting, then I’d go rafting?
Yuki: You can do everything there.
Momo: Yippee! Yuki’s still a super talented hottie even as a river! If that’s the case, then I’ll just live by the riverside!
Yuki: I’m glad…….
Okazaki Rinto: Looks like you’ve just resolved something. Congratulations.
Yuki: Where are you going, Momo?
Momo: I’m going to a friend’s house for yakiniku! Apparently he has one heck of a story to tell, so I’ll talk to you about it later, 'kay?
Yuki: You don’t need to go to a place like that. You’re going to Tsukumo’s, right? I don’t really like him.
Momo: Me neither, but we’ll never achieve world peace by being picky. It’s all for your beloved love & peace, Yuki!
Momo: Why don’t you go hang out with Ban-san? No need to hold back!
Yuki: He told me he was busy since they’re in the middle of reorganizing their agency.
Momo: Right, right. Once things calm down, feel free to go hang out with him! Well, I gotta go!
*slam*
Yuki: And you said you’d live by the riverside…….
Okazaki Rinto: There’s a flood hazard if you live that close to the river. If it were up to me, I’d look for another piece of real estate.
Yuki: …….

To be continued….

TL Notes/comments:

Thank you @kuriiii for proofreading as usual!!!

uhh surprisingly I didn’t have much to comment on in terms of actual TL notes? just this

(1) Fun fact 猫撫で声 lit. means 'voice you use while petting a cat’ LOL

As usual, if you see any mistakes/mistranslations/etc, please message me!

Thank you for reading!!

 

A Sleepless Night

Ogami Banri: President, I found this as I was cleaning the office…….
Takanashi Otoharu: Is that Tsukumo company newsletter file folder? That sure brings back memories.
Ogami Banri: ‘Memories?’ Did you use to work for Tsukumo Productions?
Takanashi Otoharu: That was before my daughter was born. See, look. There’s my wife, and there’s Yaotome-kun.
Ogami Banri: I knew that President Yaotome used to work at Tsukumo Productions. He even has their support.
Takanashi Otoharu: Indeed. There’s lots of of agencies like that. Things are much easier to do when you have Tsukumo backing you.
Ogami Banri: Are you getting support from them, President?
Takanashi Otoharu: I gave them a piece of my mind and left, so no. Selling people until they can’t sell anymore, then throwing them away after they’re all used up– that type of company mindset just didn’t sit well with me.
Takanashi Otoharu: I’ve given everyone so much trouble by defying Tsukumo, but I’m glad that I’ve been able to work the way I want to.
Ogami Banri: That’s true…. It’s surprising that you were colleagues with President Yaotome, though.
Takanashi Otoharu: Yaotome-kun, Musubi, and I used to talk about our dreams and aspirations. The three of us would talk about the things we wanted to do, or the things we absolutely had to do.
Takanashi Otoharu: Yaotome-kun has it rough too….. He can’t defy Tsukumo no matter what because he’s under their patronage.
Ogami Banri: Does that include Yaotome Productions?
Takanashi Otoharu: It’s because Tsukumo and Hoshikage have very different histories. And by history, I mean the people who’ve been moving the industry along.
Takanashi Otoharu: People in management positions choose Tsukumo in times of need. Their stocks and interests are intermingled in a complex manner, after all.
Ogami Banri: …That makes it sound like the entertainment industry is a place where there’s no room for dreams or aspirations, like a big, terrifying wall before you.
Takanashi Otoharu: There are dreams and aspirations. After all, the audience is the one with the final say.
Takanashi Otoharu: No matter how huge an agency is, no matter how big the star is, they can’t do anything if they don’t have an audience. Fans, and the people who aren’t fans, are the most important.
Takanashi Otoharu: Those kids seized the chance. IDOLiSH7’s dreams, and the dreams they show– both of these light up the audience’s eyes with excitement.
Takanashi Otoharu: It’s a type of magic, one that wins against even the strongest power.

*click*
Tsukumo Ryou: Hello, Momo. So you’ve come. I’ve been waiting for you.
Momo: Here. I have a gift for you. They’re kashiwa mochi I got for half-off from a shop in front of the station.
Tsukumo Ryou: Wow! It’s just like Children’s Day! Shall we don helmets and play around? (1)
Momo: Only if I can arm myself. Pardon the intrusion.
Tsukumo Ryou: Come on in, make yourself at home.
Momo: Here I thought you’d live in a high-rise apartment, but you’re actually pretty close to the ground. Are you scared of high places, Ryou-san?
Tsukumo Ryou: Well, if I lived in a high-rise, I wouldn’t be able to toss my pet off the balcony. They’d die.
Momo: Your jokes are awful……. It’d be dangerous to toss them off even at this height. I love animals, so I’m not even gonna laugh.
Tsukumo Ryou: I didn’t laugh either. Now, which cut of meat would you like to start out with? Or shall we raise our glasses to a toast first?
Momo: Sorry, but I can’t stay for long. Why are all three of our groups becoming part of Tsukumo?
Momo: Is it because the President said so? Or was it the President’s mother? Who is the mastermind behind this?
Tsukumo Ryou: It’s me.
Tsukumo Ryou: I am going to be Tsukumo’s new President. I’ll be officially inaugurated next month. Go ahead, congratulate me.
Momo: ……. No way, you’re lying…….
Tsukumo Ryou: Now, that’s a little difficult to pop open a champagne bottle to. Why do you think so?
Momo: Because you were never interested in the entertainment industry, Ryou-san. And even though you’re the second son in Tsukumo, you’ve always been wandering aimlessly without any goal in mind.
Tsukumo Ryou: Oh no, not at all. I am positively teeming with interest. Especially in your line of work, Momo. In idols.
Momo: Why?
Tsukumo Ryou: Momo. I’m giving you a 50, failing marks. Same goes for Yuki, whom you adore so much.
Momo: …….
Momo: As if Yuki could get an F. He’s handsome, he’s a gentleman, his cooking is really good….
Tsukumo Ryou: …Ah, my bad. Let’s blacklist his name for now, since the conversation will only get derailed if we bring him up.
Momo: If he were a river, then you can swim, fish, and go rafting there! I bet you could even catch pond skaters, and barbecue–
Tsukumo Ryou: Alright, alright. He’s a Class A river. Do you mind if I talk now? (2)
Momo: Go ahead.
Tsukumo Ryou: I’m handsome, smart, and passionate. I’ve got a sense for business, and an abundance of hobbies. I am excellent at sports and overflowing with refinement.
Tsukumo Ryou: Not only that, I’ve also mastered the art of conversation and am sociable. I am capable of learning almost anything, with just a little bit of studying. I’ve got excellent taste, and I can even sing well. Lalala~
Momo: ……Are you gonna keep going?
Tsukumo Ryou: And yet, my parents love my brother. Thanks to that, Tsukumo has been on the decline.
Momo: …….
Tsukumo Ryou: Idols are the same. All of you are flawed beings. And yet, the masses love you and you bring in money.
Tsukumo Ryou: I want to expose that secret.
Tsukumo Ryou: In other words, I’m going to stick my hands in and mess it all up– as if you were kneading a sticky, gooey hamburger.
Momo: ……. Seriously…?
Tsukumo Ryou: Ahaha. You’re terrifying, Momo. You realized it before anyone in my family or office did.
Tsukumo Ryou: You noticed my profound brilliance. That I have the power to move people. That’s why you’re trying to curry favor with me.
Momo: …….
Momo: Ryou-san, I’m begging you! Let’s go to the Employment Service Center and look for another job! How about being a florist? (3)
Tsukumo Ryou: First, I have to strike down Hoshikage and absorb them into Tsukumo. And then I’ll absorb your lot. At that point in time, I’ll have complete control over mass media.
Momo: Working in a crêpe shop wouldn’t be too bad either….
Tsukumo Ryou: And as a final touch, I’ll hop on to the idol boom and profit with great efficiency, all while indulging in bacchanalian revelry. A delicious hamburger is complete. Bon appétit.
Momo: ……You don’t have anyone who could take down Hoshikage. Their stars are all secret, too. You don’t have anything that could shake their foundation either–
Tsukumo Ryou: Chiba Salon.
Tsukumo Ryou: It’s the epitome of a scandal. The only way it’s been able to stay as an open secret is through Hoshikage’s power and through Chiba Shizuo’s name.
Tsukumo Ryou: If an unknown actor from a tiny agency tried to leak it, they’d be beaten to smithereens and banished from the industry. It’s that type of scoop. Anyone who to go against the flow will be attacked from all sides, all in one go.
Tsukumo Ryou: Of course, there’s someone out there who can reveal the secret, but they’ve got him in check. It’s someone you know very well, a very big name in the industry. It won’t stop as just a tiny little leak in the weekly magazines.
Momo: ……Who’s gonna reveal it?
Tsukumo Ryou: It’s a secret.
Tsukumo Ryou: If all goes well, then IDOLiSH7 might have to change their name. After all, they’ll be left with six members.
Tsukumo Ryou: I…. I-something-six. What a wonderful name, don’t you agree? Momo.
Momo: …….
Momo: Let me tell you why nobody loves you– you’re a psychopath. You have absolutely no conscience or love in you, not even one bit.
Tsukumo Ryou: How delightful. Many of the top entrepreneurs out there are psychopaths. Thanks for guaranteeing my success.
Momo: ……I’m going home!
Tsukumo Ryou: Sit down, Momo. Or else I’ll toss you off the balcony.
Momo: I’m gonna go home before I bash your face in, that’s what I’m saying!
Tsukumo Ryou: You are my friend. I don’t mind sparing Re:vale, and only Re:vale. But only if you’ll strike a deal with me.
Momo: …….
Tsukumo Ryou: Yuki can’t live in such a tiny, confined world. But in my hands, I’ll liquidate every last drop of him into money.
Tsukumo Ryou: It’s just as you said, Momo. He’s a real hottie! You can use every bit of him, down to the bone– just like high-quality livestock. You can make bags, shoes, soup, and even manure out of him.
Tsukumo Ryou: So, what will you do?
Momo: …….
Momo: …You mentioned a deal?
Tsukumo Ryou: That big-name will reveal the naked truth of Chiba Salon’s existence.
Tsukumo Ryou: That in itself is enough, but I want it to be a little more festive.
Tsukumo Ryou: I want you to give me the raw voice recording of this confession from Chiba Shizuo’s bastard child– Nikaidou Yamato. (4)

*click*
Izumi Iori: …You’re still awake, Nikaidou-san?
Nikaidou Yamato: Yeah, I was reading. Kids shouldn’t be staying up too late, Ichi.
Izumi Iori: Who are you calling a child?
Nikaidou Yamato: Ahaha.
Nikaidou Yamato: ……Say, Producer Izumi.
Izumi Iori: ……. Please don’t call me that. What if someone overhears?
Nikaidou Yamato: We’re the only ones here. There’s something I’d like to ask you, since you’re such a capable producer.
Izumi Iori: What is it?
Nikaidou Yamato: The idol group, IDOLiSH7. If there was a scoop that would muddy up their image, to the point where nobody would even want to touch them….
Nikaidou Yamato: If I told you that this Onii-san here had something like that, what would you do? Would you sever ties with me right this instant?
Izumi Iori: …….
Izumi Iori: It depends on you, Nikaidou-san.
Nikaidou Yamato: Haha…. No promises about how you wouldn’t sever ties, huh. That’s very like you.
Izumi Iori: Of course. There’s no meaning in losing you too if IDOLiSH7’s image goes down.
Izumi Iori: Are you prepared to cling onto IDOLiSH7 regardless of what situation befalls us, Nikaidou-san? Do you have that resolve?
Izumi Iori: If you aren’t, then tell me now. Then I can cut you from the group right this instant, even if the other members curse at me.
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Izumi Iori: If you can fixate yourself on IDOLiSH7, then no matter what happens, we can make the first move and fight. However…….
Izumi Iori: Nanase-san had been removed from center once, and Nii-san had lost his confidence for a period of time. Neither of them had ever once joked about quitting the group.
Izumi Iori: Ask me again when you can say it with a straight face.
Nikaidou Yamato: ……Nothing but sound reasoning, all painfully true. You sure aren’t a cute kid.
Izumi Iori: You’re the one who called me producer. Good night. Don’t stay up too late.
*slam*
Nikaidou Yamato: …….
Nikaidou Yamato: Prepared to cling on, huh……. I’ve never had to make that decision, not even once in my life.
Nikaidou Yamato: I should’ve never thought about something as stupid as revenge.
Nikaidou Yamato: ……I’ve been regretting that ever since the day I auditioned and got into IDOLiSH7.

To be continued….

TL Notes/comments:

Thank you @kuriiii for proofreading as usual!!!

(1) kashiwamochi = mochi wrapped with oak leaves typically served on Children’s Day.
Helmets (specifically traditional Japanese military helmets) are “symbols of strength and vitality,” and also a thing pertaining to Children’s Day. Read more about it here!
(2) Class A river is this thing. tl;dr a particularly important river protected by the government
(3) (this is str8 frm wiki) “Hello Work is the Japanese English name for the Japanese government’s Employment Service Center, which manages unemployment insurance benefits for both Japanese and foreign unemployed workers, and which also provides job-matching programs to the unemployed."
(4) technically 'chiba shizuo’s mistress’s child’ but? u know what that means? Bastard Child. which also nice dramatic ring to it.
Last note, ハンバーグ is more of a thick slab of hamburger meat presented kinda like a steak but hamburger steak, steak, Salisbury steak, none of them particularly appealed to me in subbing in alternatives so I just left it as pseudo-direct ‘hamburger’
idk if you can tell but i hvae a lot of fun translating ryou HAHA

As usual, if you see any mistakes/mistranslations/etc, please message me!

Thank you for reading!!