k O n E

………

It’s the newcomer Rinne Amagi! Nice to meet ya!

Madara: No response, huh? Apparently we’re not welcome.

Rinne: Oioi. We’re co-stars aren’t we? You don’t have to be so rude, y’know.

Don’t be silent and say something. If you keep looking down in the dumps, you won’t make it into a variety show. Is everyone depressed from getting out early?

Madara: Actually, it’s a program that would be better off if we left.

I was also killed instantly, so Rinne-san and I were taken away together. Honestly, if you don’t have items, it’s just a game of luck.

It’s the best part of “fun to fight, interesting to lose.”

Although, they don’t seem to be glaring at us because they lost the “Dice Battle.”

This is hypothetical, but. These idols are from non-ES agencies— non-ES idols may be wary of us ES idols.

I’m sure a small agency that’s appearing on an unknown internet program would be especially sensitive about that kind of thing, wouldn’t they?

“Are you going to expand into online programming and steal our jobs!?” …… It’s no surprise that some people are angry.

Well, we’re reaping what we sowed.

Not all humans are equal, but the world cleverly proclaims that “all humans are equal.”

There are even people who believe this, and avoid seeing the inconvenient truth.

However, it was the ES side who drew them into a huge trend and overran the existing industry. There’ll naturally be some backlash.

If they want to keep their distance, there’s no need to force our way in.

Rinne: You’re cold. In the entertainment world, that’s true.

Mikeneko-chan and I are “strays” within ES. If we all work together to liven up this boring show, we’ll be able to raise the stocks.

Madara: No, I’m a pretty smart guy. Wouldn’t it seem strange if someone thought I was close to NewDi’s management?

Rinne: Eh, is that so?

Madara: Yes. Otherwise, they wouldn’t want to accept something as suspicious as Double Face.

It’s a unit that’s like a powder keg– you never know when it might explode if it gets hit.

Since we’re in that kind of a situation, I’d like to go on friendly terms.

It’s not so easy to do all this.

Rinne: It’s a daily routine.

Madara: That’s what you say.

In any case, there’s nothing to do in the cage. Let’s have a chat and enjoy this casual atmosphere♪

(Location: “Battle on the Sugoroku Board” program set)

(CosPro Team’s Amagi and Mikejima of NewDi Team have surrendered.)

Ibara: (…… Hmm. It seems Rinne Amagi-shi and Mikejima-shi had an encounter and entered the cage.

Seeing as Yuuta-kun, who was in the same position on the GPS, is still alive, it seems he won against Mikejima-shi and ended things with both sides suffering damage.

The CosPro Team benefited from not allowing anyone but myself to hold the gold.

Unless our opponent is also using the zombie strategy, the difference will be felt in the final stages.

The problem is, when will Rinne Amagi-shi be revived? It seems like it’d be a good idea to leave him alone for now.

He appears to be able to get along well with the other participants— idols from small agencies.

The more time he can buy, the more time I’ll have to do my own research.

Especially in regards to the unknown idols booked by small agencies— I’m curious about how they were chosen.

Many of the promising candidates working at smaller agencies have transferred to ES agencies.

Idols who stayed at the small agencies don’t have impressive achievements.

If I understand the intentions in hiring them, the intentions of the program should become clear as well.

What was the production director, who once committed violent acts, thinking in calling them to be on “Battle on the Sugoroku Board?”

And what was NETV’s intention in hiring such a person?

If I understand this, then I should be able to understand whether NETV is a promising investment target.

When you’re investing a large amount of money, you need to have a good chance of winning.

As a strategist, my main focus is not on winning or losing the game, but rather on that—

At most, I’ll watch over you until the end, management of NETV……☆)

Natsume: Yes, yES. Then, you just go wait in the bleachERS.

AH, it seems footage of various teams are being cast to the bleachers, so don’t be so careless with your reactions when you see the NewDi Team.

This game turns into a “dice battle” every time you encounter an opponENT, so I think it’d be better to hide for a whiLE—

Since no one’s familiar with the whole game area, it might be a good idea to look at our surroundings firST.

It’s the golden rule of FPS to find a place to hide without moving too carelessLY.

Madara: FPS……?

Natsume: First person shooter game. A game where you fight enemies with a fireaRM.

A more familiar example might be something like a survival gAME. RegardlESS, there’s risk of harm if you approach the enemy, so it’s best to stay hidden for a whILE—

Of courSE, we’ll be in trouble if we just keep hiding all the tiME, so let’s split up and search for “gold” without taking risKS.

Madara: Gold, huuuh? I’m sure we need it to buy items or help your friends that are in a “State of Surrender”, right?

It’s 100 gold to help once. After that, the price increases with each game— gold is the lifeline of this “Battle on the Sugoroku Board.”

Natsume: YeS. Conversely, since we can revive each other quickly in the beginniNG, everyone should try to act aloNE. Even if someone’s attackED, the app can revive them right awAY.

Arashi: Understood. We’re on a rather tight schedule. I think it’d be good to compete on breaks.

I had just been to Maizuru Manor and was rubbed the wrong way by the children.

Let’s take our time and be careful…… And in the end, our NewDi Team will win♪

(Meanwhile. CosPro Team’s starting point)

Ibara: Gold is the lifeblood of this game, so in the beginning you have to collect gold while hiding—

—This is probably what the NewDi Team is probably thinking. With Natsume-kun as the leader, it seems unlikely that he’ll take any risks in the early stages.

Of course, we ‘re thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, our initial placement is bad.

Looking at the GPS information on the phone app, it seems that our CosPro Team has been placed near the center of the stage.

It seems best to first find a good hiding position and use that as our base.

Yuuta: ………

Ibara: Are you dissatisfied with something?

Yuuta: Uu~umm. I don’t want to be teamed up with Rinne-senpai.

We don’t usually mesh well together. TV-wise it’s better for us to be apart.

Rinne: C’mon don’t say that. I’ll make you realize my charm again through this “Battle on the Sugoroku Board.” Yuta’s eyes are about to turn into hearts☆

Yuuta: You never learn, do you… Why is my brother always like this?

Ibara: Hmm. It was a miscalculation that Yuuta, who’s not compatible with Rinne Amagi-shi, appeared on this show.

However, after witnessing the current back and forth, a different strategy has come to mind.

It’s called “zombie strategy.”

Rinne: “Zombie strategy?” What’s that?

Ibara: In this “Battle on the Sugoroku Board,” you can bring back teammates who are in a “State of Surrender” at any time by paying money through the app.

Teammates who are in a “State of Surrender” will have their gold and items confiscated— but if they have no money to begin with, there’s few disadvantages even if they die.

In other words, by consolidating the team’s gold with one person, you can quickly explore the surrounding area with low risk.

Fortunately, this app has a function to exchange items and gold—

I’ve asked Rinne Amagi-shi and Yuuta-kun, who’ve both left their gold with me and become penniless, to act independently.

I believe it makes sense to explore ahead of the other teams.

Yuuta: I see. Because you have us run errands with the premise of bringing us back to life, is that why it’s called “zombie strategy?”

Ibara: Yes. If you’re in a “State of Surrender,” I will release you at an appropriate time. If you obtain gold or items during the game, please hand them over to me.

Ultimately, it’ll create circumstances in which we gain the most strength— let’s make this the basic strategy of the CosPro Team.

Rinne: Understood. Then, let’s get started right away.

High risk! High risk, high reward is my go-to method☆

Yuuta: Ohh, he moves fast.

Well then, I’ll also start the strategy, vice prez.

Ibara: Heard. I’ll leave it to you, Yuuta-kun.

Ah. And one piece of advice.

Rinne Amagi-shi— that man stands out for better or for worse, so he’ll make for a good bullet shield. I recommend that you trail him from behind.

The weakness of “zombie strategy” is that the two teammates don’t have any weapons. I think it would be wise to temporarily retreat depending on the opponent’s strength.

Yuuta: As expected of a strategist. Does that mean you’re using the animosity between Rinne-senpai and I as part of your strategy?

Seeing Rinne-senpai getting beat up would bring me some relief—it’s not like I hate him that much though.

Well, it’s not bad. Since I went through the trouble to participate, I hope that it’ll help me relieve some stress.

Thank you for your advice. I’ll be heading off too.

Ibara: Alright. Go ahead and go all out.

Even if this is a variety show with lots of fun elements, I’m still a strategist. As a commander, let’s revel in it most of all♪

I never thought I’d be able to co-star with other CosPro members! I’m looking forward to the agency competition♪

Rinne: Oh, it’s Hina isn’t it. You’re alone today, huh?

I thought you’d be coming as twins since 2wink means “two in one!” or somethin’ like that, doesn’t it?

Hinata: Yuuta-kun and I aren’t as “clingy” as we used to be~. This time, since only one person from each unit was needed, I thought it’d be fine if I came.

Ah, the vice prez has also arri~ved. Salute~☆

Ibara: Yeah yeah, salute salute.

Hinata: Eh- this is terrible! Vice prez~, are you in a bad mood?

Ibara: It’s annoying to hear the same topic over and over again. The only thing that can ask for a reaction every time is variety shows.

In any case, all that’s left is for Switch to arrive.

We are slightly past the meeting time. Mikejima-shi, Narukami-shi, have you heard anything?

Madara: I don’t know anything about the office, do I?

Even though I took on some odd jobs, I tried not to get involved in the affairs of units or idols.

Arashi: I especially haven’t. Lately, Aoba-senpai seems to be in the office whenever I catch a glimpse of him. Maybe Natsume-chan is telling him to take a break……?

Ibara: Hmm. In order to give the ever busy Eden a break, I called up one person from each unit.

As a result, it’s not hard to imagine that they’d struggle to decide who will represent Switch.

Well then, shall we proceed with the discussion with the present members?

I’d like to ask someone from NewDi to report the information to Switch—

Natsume: ………

Hinata: Ah, Sakasaki-senpai! Everyone was worried you wouldn’t come~

Natsume: ……… (Ignores him)

Hinata: Are you seriously angry!? What happened!?

Natsume: What do you mean “what happeNED.” Everyone here knows about “NETV,” don’t you!?

Arashi: What do you mean……?

Natsume: It felt odd that “Viper” was offering me a jOB, so I did some research on my oWN.

That’s how it wAS—BinGO. The production director for “Battle on the Sugoroku Board” was previously driven out of the entertainment industry for committing a violent ACT.

Madara: Oh? This is my first time hearing about it.

Natsume: WeLL, unlike back then he used a business naME, so I couldn’t tell from the letters alONE. I used a contact from the entertainment industry to get to the bottom of thINGS.

Don’t waste your breATH. You knew about that and got NewDi involved, didn’t YOU?

Ibara: Ahaha! That’s quite the network you’ve got there~, I’m impressed!

I can't help but be surprised that you found my proposition to be so suspicious. But what Natsume-kun said is true.

However, don’t you think it’s harsh to be so angry?

Natsume: ? What did you sAY?

Ibara: The parties involved have already reflected on what happened and have paid the fine. The legal process has come to a close—and the parties have reached a settlement.

This program may be a chance for him to make his return after mending his ways.

It’d be a shame to lose your job because of the echoes of the past, don’t you think?

Natsume: The problem iS that he was hiding that faCT.

Ibara: I didn’t realize it was “hiding” to be considerate of avoiding unnecessary prying. Vexing, isn’t it~?

Or else what? Individual freedom should be determined entirely by who holds authority at the time?

I suppose I was wrong to think that Natsume-kun, who has always been on the side of the outcasts, wouldn’t take such a stance……♪

Natsume: ………

Rinne: They’re fighting before it even starts. It’s so hot I can even see the illusion of fireworks.

I agree with ya, that story— he’s paying for his past sins now though, isn’t he?

Then we from Crazy:B will respect that!

Hinata: So that’s what you think, Rinne-senpai~. As for me, as long as it’s interesting it’s fine.

From what I’ve seen, the planning for “Battle on the Sugoroku Board” is well done, so it’s okay to go there and make the decision then, isn’t it?

Madara: Even then, if he’s still doing bad things, then maybe we can help prevent future bad things from happening.

I’d like to see NETV once too.

Natsume: …… I get IT. If I’m being narrow-mindED, I’ll leave it at thAT.

HoweVER, there won’t be a next tIME. This imitation of foul play has made me even more suspiciOUS.

Senpai also wants to participate in this projECT, so I’ll see what I can dig UP.

Ibara: Yes, yes. It would be helpful if you could do that!

Personally, I merely sympathize with the fact that his future options were limited because of his past circumstances.

If something were to happen during “Battle on the Sugoroku Board,” I would immediately pull out all of CosPro’s idols!

Now then, let’s get into the explanation of “Battle on the Sugoroku Board!” Thank you for your attention……☆