Next Door - Epilogue 6

[shivalries]

Season: Summer

Switch dialogue translated by iridesenescence

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[Next Door stage]

Izumi: Kasa-kun.

Tsukasa: Ah, yes? What is it? Ah but—I know this happens every time—but could you restrain from suddenly going on long and serious tangents? You do know we're onstage, right?

Izumi: Geez, you're so obnoxious... Anyway, uh, if we end up winning this Judgment, Next Door...

We were talking about giving this moron some kind of exclusive manager, so...

Can I take that role?

Tsukasa: What?

Izumi: Like I said, I'll manage Leo-kun's schedule and watch him so he doesn't do anything stupid again.

I've known that moron for a pretty long time, plus I have a pretty good idea of what trouble he might get into—it'd be better than leaving him to a total stranger, right?

It seems like Leo-kun doesn't wanna interfere too much with the new Knights, who are currently trying to build up a new dynasty around you, Kasa-kun.

So that's exactly why I'm the right guy for the role of taking care of Leo-kun. I'm a little more removed from you guys.

I'm sure he'd have a harder time making a bad name for himself if he's an ocean away, anyway.

Tsukasa: *sigh*... Well, I suppose that's true—every Jack has his Jill, right?

Izumi: Mhmm. So after the show is finished, I'll be taking that moron.

I'll bring him all the way back to Florence with me and take care of him there and make sure to feed him and such.

Seems like the fans want to see all five of us getting along, anyway.

From now on, Leo-kun won't be doing any of his solo stuff. Besides, when you need us for Knights, you have to call for both of us, right?

So, it's a lot more convenient if we're already living in the same place. It's a win-win for everybody. Got a problem with that?

Leo: Yeah, but... whenever I crashed at your place before, you'd always complain about it, no?

I thought maybe you didn't like the idea of living together, so I decided to honor your feelings and leave.

Izumi: Excuse me? We've known each other for so long already! Why do you keep thinking I'm always honest about my feelings?

Leo: Uhhh...?

Izumi: Of course I want your company. You really think I'd keep sticking around if I didn't?

...You see, I wanted to test my own abilities in Florence.

My natural abilities, without using my parents or somebody else as a crutch.

But despite that, you'd keep on happily bringing me jobs like a dog fetching a bone. And I'm saying that was a bother.

That's why I told you to get out. To quit doing things I didn't need you to do.

But... after a good few months, I've gotten a general idea of how far my own abilities can take me.

Now I know that they won't get me anywhere on a global scale.

However, I have Knights with me—my allies, who I love just as much as I love myself.

And because I have that "self" I can rely on, I'm gonna use that without hesitation.

Leo-kun. I'll look after you, so in return, bring me all the jobs you can get.

Spread the word around, use your connections with important people—do everything you can.

You don't need to hold back on that. It's past the point when I should be obsessing over appearances.

I want to make sure I'll make it big as a model and have all of humanity acknowledge me as the most beautiful person in the world.

But I know that's hard all by myself, so I'm relying on you—and Knights too, of course. Every one of you should be giving it your all for my sake.



And I'll put in the effort for you guys, too.

I'll start by taking care of that idiot through and through and changing him from annoying baggage into something useful to Knights.

It's simple give-and-take, alright? Gimme a "yes" if you got it! Don't make it repeat myself, okay? Sooo~ annoying!

You too, Leo-kun! And just so you know, I won't take any other answer than "absolutely!"

Arashi: Goodness me, Izumi-chan. Did you just... propose to Leo-kun?

Izumi: Nope. If I had to describe it, I'd say I signed pet adoption papers.

Leo: ......

...Y'know, I'm realizing it all over again, but...

You really are an interesting guy, Sena.

Izumi: Oh yeah? I'm pretty sure that compared to you, I'm only one-fifth as interesting, though?

Tsumugi: Um~... You all seem to be having lots of fun amongst yourselves, but would you mind if we brought this performance to an end soon?

This was originally meant to be a small-scale performance, so we weren't given much time, you know~?

Leo: A-Ah, yeah. Well for me, rather than finishing anything, seems like something even weirder just started happening. Wahaha, life sure is interesting, huh.

Tsumugi: It truly is. I can't say I really understand what you went through, but I think we share the same outlook.

"Alright then. Though it's a shame that we have to part ways—it's about time we said our goodbyes!"

"But there's no need to miss us too much! After all, our NewDi is a friendly neighbourhood agency, so you can approach us whenever you wish to!"

"We're ordinary and underwhelming, and constantly ranking last amongst the four agencies in ES!"

"We're weak, hopeless and pitiful; all we can pride ourselves on is our future prospects, since we're just getting started. That's just the kind of small and frail agency we are!"

"But! That's precisely why our doors are always open—we'll welcome you at any time!"

"We've still got plenty of open positions that we're looking to fill, so if any of you would like to work with us, please feel free to pay us a visit!"

"This country and our agency have been in an economic slump for a while now, and there was all that talk of restructuring in summer. But with the redevelopment of the Specialized Music Ward that Rhythm Link is leading..."

"This new place is being created so those who lost the chance to work as idols can start anew and build themselves back up."

"Though it might be misunderstood as simply letting people go, the restructuring we speak of really does mean shifting personnel around!"

"Our agency is using its own funds to help arrange comebacks and search for idol-related jobs for these people!"

"Well, we do end up tight on funds as a result of this—but that's also something we'll breeze through with a touch of our magic!"

"So please rest easy! To everyone who would like to enter the idol industry, don't hesitate to hold out your hand. ♪ "

"We'll be sure to find your outstretched hand and grab onto it!"

Leo: ...Oba-chan? Why does it suddenly sound like you're trying to recruit people for the agency?

Tsumugi: Actually, this was part of the plan too.

After all, we did reach out to idol-training schools and more, so we're hoping that the future generation of idols will feel even a little interest in us.

Ah, of course, we also wanted to reassure our fans and show them that despite the lackluster impression we give off, we're actually doing just fine.

There's still a mountain of problems for us to work through, but we can't have people thinking that we're hopelessly on the path to ruin.

"Anyway! An agency whose system allows anyone to become a shining star, and you can be sure hard work will let you blossom into a textbook idol—that's StarPro!"

"Competition there is intense, but if you've got talent and ability, you'll definitely be rewarded. You can even take huge risks if you like—"

"The agency with the perfect environment for those who seek greater heights than anyone else—that's CosPro!"

"With powerful veterans as their foundation, this agency values the traditional image of idols and will let you work earnestly and steadily—that's Rhythm Link!"

"And our NewDi will take in anyone who doesn't feel like they belong, or can't see themselves thriving in any of those agencies!"

"If you want to work happily with others to create the future of the idol industry, then our NewDi will be perfect for you!"

"If you don't want to force yourself into a fixed mold, or you've tried your hardest and can't force yourself into one, then you're just the type of person we're looking for!"

"Our New Dimension, and Ensemble Square—ES, will always be an ally to everyone chasing their dreams!"

"So let's all go find happiness—together!"

"♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪ "

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