Arc-2 Ep-27

 It is obvious, but January can be said to be the coldest month of the year. Because of that, even among the sixth generation, some people caught colds, and there were multiple days when just seven members appeared at mini-lives.

Perhaps this was because our feelings had loosened after the successful conclusion of the general concert.

Well, performing on stage with seven members had been planned for some time, so there were no major issues, and everything went smoothly.

However, when it comes to six members, both singing and dancing change considerably, so we seriously need pay attention. Even I though have a godlike cheat for stamina, I intend to be fully careful.

And then, on January 29.

We, with a mini-live scheduled for Saturday, were given a provisional introduction to the eight candidates for the seventh generation who came to observe.

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“Today’s mini-live, eight candidates for the seventh generation will be observing, so please take care of them.”

“Understood.”

“Already at that time, huh.”

“One year has passed, hasn’t it……”

At the words of Taneyama-san, the sixth-generation general manager, the other members responded with various emotions. Perhaps they were feeling sentimental, remembering the path they had walked a year ago.

“How do you see the seventh-generation kids, Sachiko-san?”

“Hmm…… At least, compared to you or the fifth generation, expectations are…… well, somewhere around that, I guess.”

“Ah…… I think I understand what you mean.”

Shion-san sensed the meaning from the ambiguous tone at the end of Taneyama-san’s words. It was clear that things were different from the past two years, with Rina-san and me included.

“Mm…… For now, just show them your usual selves.”

“That’s right.”

“So, as usual, huh.”

“Understood~”

All we need to do is show the usual mini-live as before. How the seventh-generation candidates perceive it is up to each of them individually.

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“──Everyone in the sixth generation. Here are the eight candidates for the seventh generation.”

“Yes. Nice to meet you.”

“Lessons will be tough, but please do your best.”

““Yes!!””

“““Thank you very much!”””

The nervous seventh-generation candidates lined up beside us as we were introduced. This was only a provisional introduction, so we were not told their individual names. Just like us, they would only receive a full introduction to the Sistema Solare members after their debut at the Reitaisai was confirmed.

“You will observe the preparations backstage and at the side of the stage before the mini-live, and once it starts, watch until the end from the staff seats.”

““Understood!””

“““Yes!!”””

Leading the seventh-generation candidates was Sistema Solare’s trainee manager, Takamori-san. She had accompanied me, Mami-san, and Yuna-san to a regional autograph session.

“Takamori-san. Long time no see.”

“Long time no see, Kayanuma-san. I’m glad to see you active.”

“Wa, waah, it’s Mikuri-chan~”

“R-Really a beautiful girl……”

The seventh-generation candidates whispered among themselves as they watched me talk to Takamori-san, who had brought them. My impression of them was that there was no standout individual, almost like when we saw the fourth generation. When I smiled at them, the candidates let out some indescribable sounds.

“Judging from the guidance, Takamori-san will be with them?”

“No, even as a sub it would be too much for me. There weren’t enough people, so I was just available today and was assigned.”

Surely, there would be no job change from trainee to sub-manager for the new generation.

“Then, will they join the person who took over responsibility for the seventh generation?”

“Yes. Looking at the previous reassignments, that seems likely.”

“Mikuri~. Time to do the sound check~”

“Understood~. I’ll go now.”

“Yes. Do your best.”

Called by Sayaka-san, I ended my conversation with Takamori-san.

“Well then, enjoy observing. Once you debut, you’ll be on this side too.”

“Y-Yes!”

“Understood.”

“I-I’ll study hard.”

When I spoke to the seventh-generation candidates as we left, they responded with a flustered air. Apparently, they had not expected me to talk to them.

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“……How were the seventh generation?”

“Hmm. I didn’t feel anything particularly outstanding.”

“Then that’s why the composition is like that, I guess~”

In terms of facial appeal, all eight have the average level of Sistema Solare. However, none are at Tomomi-san’s level or higher. Perhaps because of that, the management’s intention to emphasize each idol’s distinct characteristics is apparent.

“Two younger sister types, two for sex appeal, and two cool types, I guess.”

“Having two classic idol types is also unusual.”

“Since it’s after the fifth generation and us, maybe management has a hard time?”

Well, those who fit the common image of idols in the world tend not to stand out in Sistema Solare. That’s probably why they gathered many candidates aiming for different idol paths.

“Younger sister type…… From information related to the training school, it seems next year’s eighth-generation candidate has a main younger sister type.”

“Really!?”

“Finally, the person in charge of the younger sister type may change.”

“Mm……”

When the leader mentioned the training school’s younger sister candidate, Chie-chan’s expression twisted slightly. For her, the sixth-generation younger sister representative, a strong rival has appeared.

I had heard about this from Chie-chan during the New Year sleepover, but many of the others seemed to be hearing it for the first time.

“Already talking about the eighth generation.”

“That child hasn’t even been decided to debut here yet.”

“However, that child seems to be the daughter of one of our employees.”

“Oh, I see……”

She’s practically a legacy among the legacies. If her parent works for the production, she probably won’t debut at another agency.

“Then it seems she’ll debut here~”

“Younger sister type means elementary school?”

“I heard fifth grade.”

At that age, she probably won’t participate in handshake events or the like. I would like to see her once, but for the audition group without connections to the training school, there seems to be no opportunity. Moreover, given her age, she might see older girls as older sisters.

“Soon, it will be your turn for the sound check.”

“Understood, Matsuzono-san.”

“Well then, let’s do it quickly.”

“Yes. There’s no need to take much time.”

At the mini-live venue, the sound check for the seniors had finished, and they were stepping back to the side of the stage. Our sound check, which would replace theirs, was the last.

The seventh-generation candidates were watching that scene intently.