Arc-2 SS-10

On January 11, the day after Coming of Age Day, a joint meeting of Sistema Solare stakeholders was held. Attendees included the president and the upper management of ff・Fortissimo.

Additionally, the producers and management team of Sistema Solare, as well as managers responsible for each generation and internal groups like myself, were present.

Other attendees included the audition department, scouts, and the heads of training schools—a fairly large group had gathered. Of course, not all managers were able to participate. Even though the busy year-end and New Year period had ended, including the three-day Coming of Age Day holiday, there were still members who were naturally busy.

Some of the managers accompanying us were not attending this meeting.

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Reports from managers in charge of internal groups and generations did not show any major issues. Work had been steadily increasing, and some members had heavier burdens than others.

Other topics concerned only older members from the first and second generations and what to do about mini-live performers who had yet to receive nicknames and might graduate in the future.

There were two members each from the first and second generations, and the first-generation general manager was responsible for all four. The first-generation sub-manager and the second-generation general and sub-managers kept their titles but helped manage internal groups.

[T/N- I first changed General Manager -> Overall Manager well as guessed it was mouthfull so back to " General"]

Sistema Solare had three managers, while Dwarf Planet and Seven Satellite had two each, though they were often short-handed.

Especially after Rina Takechi joined Sistema Solare, Uchikawa-san and one manager each were essentially dedicated to Sistema Solare. There were trainees, but they still lacked experience to handle members alone safely. While thinking about this, the report from the audition department began.

“I am Mori, in charge of the seventh-generation audition. Here are the profiles of the six successful candidates. Please refer to the materials before you.”

The sound of papers flipping came from all around. I also flipped through the materials, reviewing photos and audition evaluations of the successful candidates.

“…Hmm.”

“Not bad……”

“…As you can see, compared to last time, this can be considered a weak batch.”

The sixth-generation audition had been a major success, far exceeding expectations. While the seventh generation debut did not need to reach that level, compared to the previous batch, these candidates were far weaker.

“Indeed. In the sixth generation, we had exceptional talents like Mikuri Kayanuma and Nozomi Nanazawa, but this time, there simply were no extraordinary applicants, is that correct?”

“Yes. The six successful seventh-generation members were the highest-rated applicants among the candidates this time.”

That makes sense. There is no point in rejecting the top-rated applicants. A man raised his hand.

“You there.”

“Yes. I’m Sasaki from the scout department. Recently, scouting has been challenging. Many key targets have gone elsewhere.”

“…I see. Do we know the reasons?”

“To some extent.”

The president folded his arms and prompted him to speak. Mori-san and Sasaki-san exchanged glances, and the audition manager began speaking.

“There was a successful candidate from another training school. Upon confirmation, it seems Sistema Solare is considered too strong.”

“Too strong? …What does that mean?”

One of the upper management, confused, asked, and the scout department answered.

“Recently, there have been many cases where existing Sistema Solare members are so strong that newcomers feel they wouldn’t stand out.”

“With Rina Takechi, Tomomi Uchikawa, and Mikuri Kayanuma, the top three are already decided.”

“…So to rank high in Sistema Solare, the competition is just too strong.”

“Yes. Many children choose other idol groups where they feel they have a higher chance to rise.”

Indeed, I also thought it would be very difficult to surpass the current top members of Sistema Solare. Only someone with talent and potential like Kayanuma-san could accomplish that. And how many candidates in this country could match her?

Honestly, the number would be extremely small.

“I see. So it’s a problem of internal group competition……”

“Indeed. Going above our top popular members would be difficult.”

“With mediocre talent, it would be impossible.”

During the discussion by upper management and Sistema Solare’s management, the president raised a hand. Seeing this, participants fell silent, and the president spoke to the head of the training school.

“There were two from the training school, correct?”

“Yes, president. As shown in the materials, it would be difficult to consider these two as Sistema Solare’s main members.”

Even at the Fortissimo-affiliated training school, the shortage of talent was serious. It may be natural since good talent is actively debuted in Sistema Solare.

“Ah, that girl, she won’t make it to the seventh generation?”

“That would be difficult… She just started provisional enrollment in December, and considering she is currently in fifth grade, the earliest would be the eighth generation when she enters middle school.”

The girl in question was likely the child of a production employee. She was considered a potential talent at the level of Takechi-san and Kayanuma-san and was admitted to the training school for free.

“I see. …Ah, sorry. It was an impossible request.”

“No problem.”

“The seventh generation will be eight members. That’s how it will have to be.”

The number seems appropriate for a generation. Seven to nine members make it easier to form a generation-based group. The smallest so far was the third generation with seven members.

One had already graduated, leaving six, and depending on future graduates, the third generation might struggle to continue as a single unit.

“Yes.”

“It’s decided, then.”

“…Alright! As discussed earlier, it is highly unlikely we can expect new talent. Therefore, the current members must work even harder.”

The president concluded the meeting with this statement. We sat attentively, watching him with correct posture.

“Of course, I want all of you to give your best. The first and second generations planted the seeds, Uchikawa nurtured them, and Takechi helped them grow.”

Perhaps excited during his speech, the president stood and began gesturing.

“Next, Kayanuma will help them grow further. If all goes well here, Sistema Solare will become the top idol group in our country.”

“Yes!”

“Of course!”

“Let’s do our best!!”

The president’s enthusiasm seemed to spread to the participants, and their voices grew strong and

 loud. Of course, I also responded firmly, pledging to devote all my efforts to the future growth of Sistema Solare.