Crown 18

Keito: Hmph. At any rate, the outcome of the fourth round will determine the trends from here on out.

No, if something is going to happen, it’ll be here and now.

We snatched up victory against our longtime enemy UNDEAD through our strategic planning and their careless errors.

Oogami and them are probably crying and arguing about the results, but it was a fair match.

Souma: Ay, ‘twas. I believe the both of us were evenly skilled, but the gentlemen of Undead seemed to be rather dispirited.

Adonis-dono told me that some thing occurred during the Qualifying Rounds which caused hesitation on their path forward: some thing which made them indecisive.

Kuro: I’ll bet. When your opponent’s wobblin’ on shaky legs, it ain’t hard to knock ‘em down for good.

We already figured we’d be up against UNDEAD thanks to the oracle and came up with ways to counter them before we got to the stage.

Keito: Yeah. For TV viewers, we covered nostalgic hits from different eras. Naturally, we got permission and added our own spin to the songs.

Little tricks like that work surprisingly well for this year’s SS Finals, since the voting pool extends across the nation.

Do I sound guilty saying that? We just gave the people what they wanted, what more of them were looking for. That’s how you be a proper idol, right?

On the other hand, UNDEAD clung to their past successes to steady them in their wavering. Not consciously, of course.

They prioritized music that fit with their image without taking into account their surroundings, at least compared to us.

They were too busy holding themselves together to focus on entertaining anyone else.

That’s what tipped the scales in the end. Our victory was all but assured.

Kuro: Haha. We’re happy we won—ain’t that enough for you? What the hell’s your issue with it? You keep goin’ on an’ on listing all the “reasons” we won.

What aren’t you happy about, Hasumi?

Souma: Fufu. They oft jerked us around at Yumenosaki, so even I find it wondrous to have won with so little resistance.

Keito: I don’t know... maybe it’s because the scale and makeup of the audience was so different from what we’re used to that I’m having trouble processing it.

The crowd in front of us felt like they were gunning for UNDEAD. It didn’t seem in line with reality that we won.

Kuro: Those guys are masters at keeping the crowd hype with their calls and responses.

Always have been. I mean, that’s what rock’s all about, right?

All that “extreme and immoral” shit isn’t meant to be put on programs that pearl-clutchin’ old-timers and li’l kids are watchin’.

Keito: That’s true. Sorry, we should be taking pride in our victory right now.

We endured hardships and lay in wait to build the strength we needed to overcome these strong enemies.

We were right for it, and we won for it. In the end, it’s always the side which has righteousness on its side that wins. Right, Kanzaki? Kiryuu?

Kuro: Sure thing. Throw out your chest, Danna.

Souma: Ay. As sure as Undead remained true to themselves, we shall hold our heads high, true to ourselves.

Keito: (...But unless we eliminate the one threatening us, Gatekeeper, the victory we fought for will mean nothing.)

(Is that why it all feels so hollow?)

(I took down UNDEAD, the thorn in my side, with my own strength. Normally, I’d be jumping for joy.)

(Everything we gain here will be stripped from us via coercion and threats.)

(For now, that risk extends only to the leaders of each unit, but that evil will inevitably creep up to influence our other members, as well.)

(The ultimate victor of SS won’t be either the Red Team or the White, or even an idol at all—it’ll be a foreign invader from across the sea.)

(I don’t want them to learn about this. They’re celebrating with all the innocence of a child; I don’t want to see their smiles to be clouded over.)

(What should I do? How do we get out of this mess? Do I pray to the gods or the Buddha now? Will it even do any good at this point?)

(They can only grant us happiness in the afterlife. What about the suffering we face here, now?)

Kuro: ...Hey, what’s up with you?

Keito: Oh, uh, sorry. I guess I’m just tired from such an intense battle.

Kuro: Nah, I mean you look depressed as hell an’ I’m worried about that too. But Kanzaki’s actin’ weird. He’s been starin’ at something like he’s gonna murder somebody—

Souma: ......

Keito: What are you looking at, Kanzaki? Do you see a ghost?

Souma: I am not a cat.^[1]

...Lo, Hasumi-dono.

I ha’ set my “smart phone” to watch the stage. The scene progressing is rather of concern.

Keito: Ah, we should be doing that. We’ve finished our part in this, but we can’t let our guards down just yet.

Kuro: Something happenin’ on stage, Kanzaki?

Souma: I know not. Howe’er, I believe that something unusual has happened. I was suspicious as the fourth battle had yet to begin—

It seems that before Ryuseitai and Double Face could clash, someone else stormed the stage.

Keito: Is it Trickstar again?!

Souma: Nay, not them. I would say it unwise to assume that they are always the scoundrels, Hasumi-dono.

Kuro: Lemme see your phone.

...Ohh, shit, it’s those guys.

Figures. No way they’d just sit on their asses during all of this. Right, Crazy:B?