Arc-3 Ep-29

"Come on, it's about time. Everyone, get ready."

The second half of the national song contest is about to begin, and as we rest in the green room awaiting our turn, the sub-manager Shinakura-san gives the cue.

The schedule is calculated down to the very second, so there's no need to wait for a staff call.

"Finally, huh~"

"Was the wait for our turn long or short? I honestly can't tell."

"Let's do our best."

The nine members of Inner Group Shus Sola, along with three from Dwa-Pla, rise to their feet.

This time, unlike before, I'm the one being cheered on by Nozomi-chan.

"I'm counting on you, Nozomi-chan♪"

"Yes♪ Although, everything's already decided by the script."

She says it with a wry smile, and it's true that every single line is written out in the script down to the last character.

Going off-script or inserting ad-libs is strictly prohibited here.

"But it still makes me happy to be cheered on by you, Nozomi-chan."

"I-Is that so...? Understood, I'll cheer with all my heart♪"

"You two, let's go."

"Ah, yes."

"We should hurry, Mikuri-chan."

While Nozomi-chan and I create that lighthearted mood, Suzuka-san calls out to us.

When I glance around, the other members whose turn it is have already left the green room. Only Suzuka-san remains, just about to step through the doorway.

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That said, we've been allotted a little extra time, so we end up waiting backstage.

As we pass the time chatting with Nozomi-chan and Erika-san until our cue, the Salamander team from Elemental 9999, who performed earlier, returns from the stage.

Naturally, there's no exchange between us either.

As each group converses among themselves and we pass one another, the song contest staff observe us with bated breath.

They don't need to be so tense. Performers who appear on the song contest aren't going to cause trouble.

The entertainers gathered here are the very elite of the industry, and they undoubtedly understand the significance this song contest holds.

I can say with certainty that no matter how strained relationships might be behind the scenes, no one would ever reveal it on stage.

"...It's time. Shus Sola to the upstage side, and the three from Dwa-Pla to the downstage side, please proceed."

"Yes!"

"Understood."

"Got it."

Those of us going on stage will enter from the upstage wing.

The three in the cheering group will take their positions downstage, where the song contest hosts are stationed.

"Well then, do your best♪"

"Thanks, Nozomi-chan."

I wave to her smiling face before we part, then follow the staff member's guidance.

We've rehearsed this countless times, so guidance isn't truly necessary, but I silently follow behind him.

"...It's finally here, huh."

"I think people all across the country are watching, but don't get nervous."

"That only makes me more nervous."

"Why would you say something like that?"

"Ahaha."

On stage, the male idol group performing right before us is singing and dancing.

While watching them, my comrades exchange a few words, perhaps trying to ease their tension.

"Are you okay, Kayanuma-san?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"You're as composed as ever."

"Well, the audience here in the venue isn't that large."

"If you avoid thinking about the viewers in front of their TVs, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

As I listen to the members' impressions, I glance toward the hosts and see Nozomi-chan and the others standing by nearby.

It seems the group before us is wrapping up. Our turn is almost at hand.

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"Everyone's cheering for you. Mikuri-chan, do your best♪"

"Thank you for the adorable cheer!"

"And now, Inner Group Shus Sola with 'Black Gobule'."

Following the cheers from Nozomi-chan, Moyu-san, and the others, the Inner Group Shus Sola stage begins.

Unlike usual, the applause and cheers aren't coming solely from our fans, yet they're still thunderous.

In front of their televisions, countless viewers are likely captivated by the beauty of Rina-san and me.

The song contest isn't the unstoppable monster program it once was, when viewership exceeded fifty percent, but it still surpasses thirty percent.

In other words, it wouldn't be surprising if tens of millions are watching.

Among those viewers, I want to draw in even those who don't know much about me and pull them into my fan swamp, so I sing with more power than ever before.

Paying attention not only to the choreography but also to my expressions, I aim to win new fans.

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"That was truly amazing! Mikuri-chan!"

"Thanks. ...I think I gave it everything just now."

After finishing the song, we leave the stage with the venue's whirlwind of enthusiasm at our backs.

When we rejoin the cheering group along the way, Nozomi-chan, still flushed with excitement, is the first to share her thoughts.

"I think it was a really wonderful stage."

"I felt the same while I was singing."

"Yeah. I think it was the best performance we've delivered at any song contest so far."

"Rina feels the same."

Moyu-san, who had been speaking with the other members, receives nods of agreement from Mutsumi-san, Suzuka-san, and Rina-san.

The remaining cheering member is chatting with Chimi-san and the others, and similar conversations are unfolding there as well.

It seems that everyone from Shus Sola here judges it to have been our finest stage yet.

To have demonstrated that on such a widely watched song contest should generate tremendous promotional impact.

"Yes, it was a good stage. As your manager, I'm pleased as well."

"Ah, thank you, Fujiyama-san."

"It was good. ...However, it's not over yet. Let's hurry back to the green room."

Even the overall manager, Fujiyama-san, offers his praise. Then he urges us to move quickly.

"Y-Yes. Everyone, hurry and change."

"It's so hectic and busy."

"It can't be helped. Let's go~"

After this, there are still a few remaining appearances where we'll serve as lively extras.

Once those are finished, the year's work will conclude with the grand finale, where all performers appear together.

Now that we've come this far, I want to bring it to a safe conclusion, without any incidents.