Crown 3

Yuuta: Okay, one more time: do you think we’re stupid, Rinne-senpai?

We did think the oracle was suspicious. It only makes sense that the commanding unit was setting us up.

Rinne: Yeah, yeah, aaand...?

Yuuta: But for us, that’s just Tuesday. We’re always being pushed around and used by cruel people who don’t give a shit about us.

Despite that, we’ve gained skills and earned real achievements, and now we’re finally strong enough to participate in the SS Finals.

Hinata: Right, exactly! We can handle anything the way we are now, come hell or high water! I think!

Rinne: Reeeally? Say whatever you want—

Yuuta: The oracle has some merit, to an extent. The next round should be a clash between more traditional idols.

This is what the audience wants to see, and this is the vibe in the air.

Which is why there’s a good chance the Red Team is gonna send up a unit that fits the bill. And what we excel at is throwing those kinds of guys for a loop and taking them down.

Rinne: Good point. That’s how you guys pulled through the Qualifiers, killing everyone who underestimated ya in their sleep?

Say what you will about dirty tricks—a win’s a win ♪

Yuuta: Yep. And the idols on the Red Team still underestimate us, just like UNDEAD did in the Qualifiers.

I’m sure everyone has heard the rumors. On the surface, it looks like the Qualifiers in Chuugoku were settled peacefully and without problem. So those guys have their guards down.

Hinata: The Administration didn’t reveal anything about the SDS that might have inconvenienced them.

Yuuta: Which makes this an opportunity for us.

We should be able to take down another unit or two the same way we did UNDEAD.

They think we’re weak and defenseless. But when they come in for a hug, we’ll stab them in the gut.

Hinata: That’s kinda a harsh way to put it...?

Yuuta: What’s the point of sugarcoating our words at this point?

Hinata: Okay, fair. And you’ve probably already guessed this, Rinne-senpai, but the oracle has definitely been leaked to the Red Team.

So they should already know we’re getting up on stage for round two.

Yuuta: But I doubt they’re going to think they need any special strategy against us. They’ll go for a full-force frontal attack. In other words, they’re sending up traditional idols.

We’re anticipating this and planning accordingly. We’ll show off all our charm points without giving them any room to breathe.

Those traditional idols who were supposed to get good results will end up groveling at our feet, which will boost 2wink’s reputation.

We made arrangements for this, and now we’re going to put every last drop of effort into accomplishing it.

No one’s ever going to look down on us again.

Rinne: That so. Gyahaha, you’re all blaze-of-glory, aren’tcha? I’m almost jealous! That feeling when you’re so pissed you start seeing red—it’s the best one there is!

Well, fine then! Who am I to keep you from your pleasures? Do whatcha gotta do and enjoy your lives to the fullest—you rotten brats ♪

You keep this up, all the good kids around you might just drop you like a hot potato, but yanno what?

The world’s a huge place and there’s billions of people out there. You’ll find plenty of of guys who love you just the way are.

At the very least, I can say I like you two way more than I did when I first met you. You lucky ducks, ya got li’l ol’ me as the first fan of 2wink’s bad kid era!

Yuuta: Guh? C’mon, don’t slap me on the back right before we go on! You’re gonna mess up my costume. And my hair!

Rinne: ~... ♪

Yuuta: So what, did he just come over to say his piece and leave...? Seriously, what was all that for?

Hinata: I guess he was worried about us and wanted to cheer us on?

Yuuta: What for? That’s not the relationship we have with Crazy:B, is it?

Hinata: But we are both allies on the White Team right now~

Yuuta: Sure, but what the hell’s in it for him—

Hinata: If you think of everything as a transaction, Yuuta-kun, you’re never gonna enjoy your life.

Yuuta: If you never think about it, Hinata-kun, I’m the one who has to pick up your slack.

(...Well, I still don’t get that guy at all, but thanks to him showing up when he did, all my anxiety and worries have been blown away.)

(I should thank him for that, probably.)

(—But it just sounds like he’s treating me like a kid! Ohh, he pisses me off!)

jp proofing: mia