lh_lh

Rei: Ohh, so this is where you’ve gotten yourself to, Mikejima-kun. I’ve been searching high and low for you for quite some time now, you know?

Madara: Oh myyy, if it isn’t Rei-san. What’s up? Were you looking for me?

Rei: Indeed. It’s about this afternoon’s business. You asked for my help, but left me in the dark as to the outcome. That’s rather thoughtless, don’t you think?

Madara: Whoops! Come to think of it, I have forgotten to thank you! I was sooo caught up in my own thoughts that it completely slipped my mind. 

Let me fix that now: Thank you! The intel you gave me about Anzu-san’s whereabouts and Souma-san’s project earlier was such a great help ♪

Rei: Mmm. So? How fares the outcome of your proposal?

Madara: Siiigh. The outcome? Nothing, nada, zilch. As things stand right now, Halloween is a no-go—my plan didn’t take off at aaall.

That’s why there’s going to be another meeting scheduled the day after to decide whether to go with Souma-san’s proposal or mine.

Rei: Well~, that’s probably the best outcome you could’ve hoped for given the limited time you had to pull it off. But really, Mikejima-kun, you do make a hobby of imposing impossibly tall orders on yourself.

It's the peak of Spring right now, with vibrant sunshine and blooming flowers everywhere. And here you are, stubbornly pushing a Halloween event, which is... to say the least, thoroughly out of season.

Madara: That’s exactly why it’d be fun! Besides, if we’re gonna fuss about something like the season, it’s Autumn in the Southern hemisphere nowww, isn’t it?

If that’s the problem, we could just hold the event in Australia and tadah~! Problem solved!

Rei: Good grief. What a mad stretch of logic you make to justify your whims. Even in Australia, it’s the wrong time of year for Halloween. No matter where you are in the world, everyone knows Halloween is firmly tied to October 31st.

Madara: Hmm? What’s going on here? For someone who helped me out earlier, Rei-san, are you against my Spring Halloween idea now? 

Rei: No, I’m not against it at all. It’s just that I can’t help but voice my dissatisfaction on seeing the unnecessarily complicated path you’re on.

Frankly, I believe this whole business could be resolved most quickly, if only you could just be honest, Mikejima-kun.

Madara: I am being honest, though! I think Anzu-san’s project is amazing, and I reeeally want to make it a reality!

Rei: Ohhh, I don’t doubt that part is true. However, what I’m referring to is something else—more accurately, closer to your true feelings, Mikejima-kun.

Madara: … … Hahaha. It looks like you’ve already figured me out, Rei-san.

Rei: Deducing the motives of others is a specialty of mine. Because, why would you be clinging so stubbornly to Halloween—

Or more specifically—to last year’s Halloween? When I think about what happened back then, the answer becomes crystal clear.

The extreme lengths you go to, Mikejima-kun, are so adorably pathetic and touchingly brave (1). I can’t help but wonder, why are you keeping your true intentions concealed from the young lady Anzu?

Madara: … … Because I don’t want to manipulate her. Using sob stories to tug at her feelings—That’s just … uncool, isn’t it?

I’ve already caused Anzu-san enough grief because of Double Face, not to mention the hurtful things I said to push her away. (2)

Madara: That’s why this time, I reeeally want to make her smile—by using this project, which she poured so much of herself into.

Rei: Huh. Even if, by doing so, you might end up causing her even more trouble?

Madara: Haha~. You reeeally don’t pull your punches at all, do you? However, that train’s already left the station; there’s no turning back now. 

I’ll absolutely make this Halloween project happen, no matter what it takes.

Rei: You really are a stubborn one, for crying out loud.

Just so we’re clear, this is the last time I’ll be helping you on this.

I do want to support you, Mikejima-kun, but as someone from the same agency as Kanzaki-kun, I cannot in good conscience undermine his endeavour. 

Besides, if you’re aiming to be my successor, I expect you to be able to handle this level of adversity on your own.

Madara: Of course! I don’t plan to keep relying on you forever, Rei-san. This is something I want to do for myself after aaall—

Chiaki: —OHHH! There you are, Mikejima-san!

Madara: Hmm? If it isn’t Chiaki-san and Kaoru-san. Are the both of you looking for me tooo?

Chiaki: That’s right! I’ve heard all about your Halloween project from Hakaze. We thought you might need some help, so here we are!

Kaoru: For the record, I’m only here because Moricchi dragged me along, okay~?

Chiaki: Haha! Don’t be like that, Hakaze. You were curious about Mikejima-san’s fixation on Halloween too, right?

Kaoru: Well, I don’t deny that… ...

Madara: Nope. I appreciate your kind intentions, Chiaki-san, but I’m not in any trouble at aaall. There’s no need to help me out with anything. 

Rei: Now, now, Mikejima-kun. It isn’t good to lie. Weren’t you just agonizing over how to get your proposal approved?

Madara: You’re sooo heartless, Rei-san. I reeeally wish you wouldn’t out the fact that I’m struggling so promptly like this!

Rei: For crying out loud. You should tone down on your secretive ways, Mikejima-kun. You have a bad habit of trying to take on everything and solve everything on your own.

Kaoru: Huh? … ... (stares at Rei) 

Madara: ... … … (also staring at Rei) 

Rei: Wh-what is it, you two? Why are you staring at me like that?

Kaoru: … … Hahhh. Take a moment to reflect about what you just said, why don’t you?

Rei: In any case, Mikejima-kun, you should trust the people around you more and be honest about your true feelings.

Your motivations this time aren’t anything you should be ashamed to share with others, at any rate.

Madara: Urmmm. You mean my pathetic need for self-satisfaction?

Chiaki: Whatever it is, you can count on us, Mikejima-san! I’m all in to support you, no matter what!

Kaoru: That goes for me too. I’m already involved to this extent. Might as well see it through to the very end, right? 

Besides, in your words from this afternoon, I’m “an honorary member of this merry gang” already, right?

Madara: Haha, I can’t argue with that logic, Kaoru-san.

Good grief. There’s absolutely no need for your meddling in this matter at aaall, but... I guess I’ll show Rei-san some face this time.

Promise you won’t laugh when I tell you what my goal is, okayyy? 

Chapter 3 / Chapter 5

Lupine Halloween Masterlist

(To be continued)

Translator’s Notes

Rei describes what Madara is doing as いじらしい (ijirashii) which is a unique term that exists in JP. Some dictionaries explain it simply as ‘adorably pathetic / endearingly pitiful’ while others explain it further as the emotional state of deep sympathy, admiration and sadness you feel when witnessing someone being endearingly pitiful, brave, and touching in their struggling efforts despite their weakness / vulnerability, which evokes respect and a desire to support that someone.  (Example: Hinata Shouyo’s first and only middle school match where he and his 2 inexperienced friends and 3 newbie freshmen went up against Kageyama Tobio's powerhouse school and got crushed despite valiantly trying their best, prolly.) 

Madara’s harsh words to Anzu were said in Antique Legend Epilogue 3 (January 2021) as he walked away from her. This kicked off a long period (also known as the MadaAnzu divorce) where Madara kept his distance from Anzu until the Poltergeist/New Color event (January 2023, so for about ~2 years). During their estranged period, some mentions of Madara + Anzu can be found in - Hidden Beasts , - his FS1 3* Idol Story As an Elder - Myriad of Colours and Flowers (starts from ch 5) - Secret Service Ch 8 and Epilogue 4 (where Madara's efforts to protect Anzu and his sister Maguro while so many people were threatening to destroy him, especially in the 5 Epilogues, are very overlooked) - and Poltergeist . There is Last Mission as well, where she kicked him after he (jokingly) suggested they get married. Interestingly, in Madara's FS2 (30th March 2024), their dialogue indicated they had already reconciled with each other, but now we have Lupine Halloween (November 2024) set slightly before FS2.

Kaoru: (Mmm. In the end, I never got to the bottom of why Mikejima-kun was so insistent on celebrating Halloween now. I had to leave halfway through cos’ of work. 

Well~, it’s not really any of my business, but overhearing just half of the story has got me way too curious despite myself… …

Still, if someone were to ask if I want to stick my nose back into that mess, my answer is a hard “No”... …)

Urgh… … Stop it, stop it! The more I think about it, the more needlessly worked up I get. 

Yup. I’ll just head back to the dorms right now, take a nice bath and refresh myself. That's how I’ll forget everything that happened today. Yep, sounds like a plan… …

Chiaki: OH! If it isn’t Hakaze over there? What’s up, man? You look kinda down!

Got something on your mind? If you need to talk, I’m here for you!

Kaoru: Ugh… …

Chiaki: Hey! What’s with that “Ugh” reaction!? Don’t look so obviously annoyed to see me, man—Even I will feel hurt by that, you know!

Kaoru: Sorry, sorry! You just startled me with how loud you were, that’s all. 

Chiaki: Hmmm. Guess you must’ve had a tough day at work, huh, Hakaze?

In that case, how about grabbing dinner together? A good, hearty meal might be just the thing to perk you up!

Kaoru: Nah. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I’m not really in the mood right now, so I’ll pass. 

Chiaki: Is that so? Alright then. Let’s walk back to Seisoukan like responsible adults together!

Kaoru: Hahaha… Why are you deciding we’re walking back together… … Well, whatever. It’s fine, I guess.

Chiaki: By the way, what’s got you so worn out, Hakaze? Was work that rough today? 

Kaoru: Oh? Nah. That’s not what it was at all—

Blah blah blah (1)—and that’s the weird mess I got dragged into earlier. 

Chiaki: Hmmm, Mikejima-san said all that? It is strange he wants to do Halloween at this time of the year—

But, hey! It’s Mikejima-san we’re talking about, so I bet he has a good reason for doing it!

Kaoru: Hmmm, I don’t know about that. Everytime I asked why, he just kept repeating, “Because I want to!”

Chiaki: Maybe it’s cos Anzu's plan is just that good?

That’s a good reason, isn’t it? That means Anzu’s plan really resonated with Mikejima-san!

Kaoru: Yeah, that might be it. He was super fired up about it. I saw firsthand how genuinely excited he was—

But still, that doesn’t explain why he has to do it right now. Wouldn’t it make more sense to wait until Halloween season?

Chiaki: Hmm... That’s true.

If Mikejima-san’s insisting on pushing forward anyway, there’s gotta be a reason so compelling, it overrides the timing.

Personally, I think if he’s that passionate about doing it, why not let him go for it? 

Kaoru: Well, sure, if it were just a personal project, I’d say, “Go for it” too—

But Mikejima-kun’s dead set on doing this as a grand event. He’s even challenging Souma-kun for the R1 event slot over it. 

Chiaki: Whoa. The R1 slot? That’s one of the big seasonal event slots, isn’t it? In that case, it makes Mikejima-san’s plan really challenging to pull off. 

Kaoru: Exactly. And since Souma-kun’s event is properly Spring-themed, Mikejima-kun doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of getting that slot. 

Anzu-chan sees it too. She even suggested reworking the proposal to fit the season, but Mikejima-kun flat-out rejected it. 

Chiaki: Huh. In other words, Mikejima-san’s against changing the concept at all, huh? 

Kaoru: Yep, that’s the impression I got. I had to excuse myself for work, so I don’t know how things ended, though. 

Seriously, though. Why is Mikejima-kun so hung up on doing Halloween exactly as it was written in the proposal? 

Chiaki: Well, only Mikejima-san knows the answer to that. No matter how much we guess, we’re not gonna figure it out here. 

Kaoru: Haha. Yeah, I get that, but it’s kinda hard not to be curious, you know?

Chiaki: Same here. I’m curious to find out more about this plan that's gotten Mikejima-san so fired up, too. If Mikejima-san’s in a bind, I really wanna help him out!

Alright then, we'll go straight to Mikejima-san and ask him ourselves! LET’S GO, HAKAZE! ☆

Kaoru: … … Huh? Wait, what? Am I getting dragged back into this mess again?! 

Chapter 2 / Chapter 4

Lupine Halloween Masterlist

(To be continued)

Translator’s Notes: 

Kaoru says かくかくしかじかで, (kakukaku shika-jika de) here which is an expression used to replace part of the conversation without going into the details / move it along, like blah-blah-blah / yadda-yadda-yadda.

🐺 Prologue

🐺 The Forgotten Candy Chapter 1   2   3   4   5 

🐺 The Belated Mischievous Wolf Chapter 1  2  3   4   5   6 

🐺 Epilogue

Kaoru: Hey, that’s exactly what I wanna ask, too! I didn’t have anything to do with the chaos earlier, did I?

Madara: Welps, we’re all in this together now! (1) Consider yourself a honorary member of this merry gang by association, Kaoru-san ♪

Kaoru: Ehhhh~? I’m just an innocent bystander here, aren’t I? It totally feels like I’ve been hit by a speeding truck outta nowhere! 

Souma: Indeed, I regret this development as well. To think I had been making such good progress in discussing my proposal with Anzu-dono earlier—

Madara: That’s awesome! That was exactly what I was aiming for, you seee.

Souma: What? Just what exactly are you scheming, Mikejima-dono?

Madara: Didn’t I already declare my intentions back at the office? I want to celebrate Halloween together with Anzu-san!

Kaoru: What? First of all, that makes no sense though? 

It’s super frustrating to be dragged into this mess without a clue about what’s going on, so I have to ask—

What do you mean you want to celebrate Halloween now—right smack in the middle of Spring? 

Madara: A perfectly valid question! Since Anzu-san is here, I’d like all of you to take a look at this. 

Souma: What is this? A project proposal? Hmm, hmm… …

Souma: “Enjoying 'Harrouin' Enthusiastically with a Buff Werewolf”? What is this bizarre concept even supposed to be?

Kaoru: Ahaha! Isn’t it pretty obvious from the title?

… …Eh? What’s wrong, Anzu-chan? What’s with that look of shock on your face?

Souma: Hm? Could it be this proposal is something Anzu-dono herself created in the past?

Madara: That’s what it looks like. I came across it when I was tidying up the office earlier. 

Souma: Fufu. You, too, Mikejima-dono? Anzu-dono’s proposals are truly like buried treasure—priceless gems, unearthed only by those with virtue and patience.

Madara: Hmm? “I thought I’d thrown those out ages ago,”—you say? Well, it was about to be tossed away today.

However I’m really glad it’s been kept safe in the office all this time. 

Out of aaall the countless proposals, this one really spoke to me! I could tell right away Anzu-san penned this down with me in mind!

Madara: That’s why I absolutely have to carry out this plan with Anzu-san!

Souma: Hoho~? So, that explains your impulsive entrance into ‘RizuRin’ earlier to meet with Anzu-dono about this project. 

Madara: That’s riiight. I do apologise for having interrupted your conversation, Souma-san—

But I figured that if I didn’t speak up then, you’d whisk Anzu-san away from me. That’s why I took action to disrupt you. 

If I hadn’t done that, you’d have snatched the Event Slot right out from under me, wouldn’t you?

Souma: Hmm? The ‘Ebento’ slot, you say… … Can it be you are also eyeing the ‘R1’ slot for your project, Mikejima-dono? 

Madara: Bingo! You’re sharp, Souma-san. That’ll make our little chat go ever so much smoother. 

Souma: Hmph. So, that was why you resorted to such drastic actions.

Madara: I won’t ask for forgiveness at aaall. In fact, it’s totally fine if you bear a grudge against me—

Because I’m fully prepared to fight you for both Anzu-san and the R1 slot, Souma-san!

Souma: In that case, I can hardly back down meekly now, can I? 

I, too, have plans I wish to realise. If clashing with you is the only way forward, Mikejima-dono, then so be it—I accept your challenge! 

Kaoru: … … … …

Eh? Hold up a second? Somehow, it seems like you two have already finished hashing things out, but—

Can we go back to my question for a moment? The one asking Mikejima-kun about why he's so set on celebrating Halloween now, at this time of the year?

Eh? Seriously? Am I the only one who finds that weird?? 

Chapter 1 / Chapter 3

Lupine Halloween Masterlist

(To be continued)

Translator’s Notes:

Madara says 一蓮托生 (ichi ren taku shou), a Buddhist term which “describes the intertwining of fate and karma between two (usually) individuals, resulting in an irrevocable bond leading to their shared destiny even after death, where they reincarnate in the Pure Land together, symbolically within the same lotus blossom.” (What?) Colloquially, it means “all in the same boat.”

Now, without further delay, allow me to present this proposal for your perusal, Anzu-dono.

I happened upon this document by serendipitous chance at my agency the other day. 

It outlines the most charming proposition for a picturesque event where guests may wander among food stalls beneath the cherry blossoms whilst enjoying the vibrant ‘Raibu’ performances of various ES ‘aidorus’—

Fufu. I see you have already recognised the origin of this idea—indeed, this is a proposal penned down by none other than your own hand, Anzu- dono ♪

I must admit, I was utterly baffled as to why such a splendid concept had been abandoned in an unattended corner of the office…

Souma: Hmmm? This was merely one of many such ideas drafted during an extended period of idle hours—you say?

I never imagined I would hear such words from you, Anzu-dono—“I was free and had had nothing to do.”

Hmm? Did you not mention being caught up in various matters around the time of last year’s SS qualifiers? 

I see now. It must have been around the time I was in Okinawa (1), correct… …?

In any case, it is truly fortuitous that I stumbled upon this flower-viewing proposal. 

Surely, you can surmise my intentions given our conversation thus far. Yes, it is my wish to bring this cherry blossom viewing event to life with you, Anzu-dono. 

If memory serves me correctly, ES has a Spring event slot designated as an “R1” (2)—

One of the most prestigious slots within our seasonal events. I wonder if we might not be able to bring this project to fruition there?

What do you say, Anzu-dono? I know the timeline for this proposition is short and the demands of the event may prove challenging, but...

Oh? You will take it on after all?

It seems you have already been refining this proposal and enhancing it to achieve an even higher standard.  

Fufu. it is already brilliant as it currently stands, yet you seek to elevate it beyond that. You are truly an exceptional talent, Anzu-dono. 

With that, I eagerly await the completion of your revised draft.

Mu? Are you requesting my input to enhance this concept further?

Certainly. While it is near perfect as it is, if I may offer one suggestion—

???: HAHAHA! PARDON MEEE (3)… … ☆

Souma: Mu—? Who goes there!?

Madara: Boldly charging ahead! I’m aware Anzu-san is here, so won’t you hand her over to me immediately?

Souma: Ah, I was wondering who it could be, so it is you, Mikejima-dono. Anzu-dono and I are in the middle of a discussion, so I must ask you to wait a little longer.

Madara: Oh myyy, is that you, Souma-san? Patience is a virtue, yes, but I’m dying to talk to Anzu-san myself! If you don’t hurry it up, I might just start causing a sceeene!

Souma: Very well, I understand. Anzu-dono, as I was saying earlier—

Madara: Haha! Still not done yet, Souma-san? I can’t hold myself back any longer! I’m raring to go right this instant!

Souma: Are you a hound that knows no restraint? Even for you, this is far too brief—it has scarcely been ten seconds!

Kaoru: Good morning... 

Kaoru: Eh? Mikejima-kun? 

Madara: ... ... … ♪

Excuse me a moment, Kaoru-san—

Kaoru: Huh? Why are you here… … HEY—UWAHH—?!

W-WHAT! What’s with the sudden headlock!?

Madara: Nowww then, Souma-san. Hand Anzu-san over to me immediately.  If you comply, nothing unfortunate will happen to Kaoru-saaan ♪

Souma: Wha—Mikejima-dono!? Cease this absurd behaviour at once! If you insist on continuing on this course of recklessness, I will show you no mercy!

Kaoru: EH! Wai-wait, Souma-kun! Don’t just draw your sword at the drop of a hat like that!

Madara: That’s riiight, Souma-san. Can’t you see the fix that Kaoru-san is in right nowww?

Souma: Kuh… … I never imagined you would resort to such despicable tactics, Mikejima-dono… 

Despite everything, Hakaze-dono is a fellow ‘RizuRin’ comrade. I cannot forsake him in this manner… …

Kaoru: Whaddya mean—‘Despite everything’!? Would you really have cast me aside if I weren’t a comrade? 

Seriously, can someone—anyone—please tell me what on earth is going on here?

Madara: Good, good, very good. Souma-san truly is a kind-hearted soul after aaall ♪

Now then, hand over Anzu-san quietly and—WHOOPS?

Hahaha! How careless of me! To think Anzu-san, the very target I was after, would pull a sneaky leg sweep on me from behind! And look at that, Kaoru-san has gotten awayyy!

Kaoru: Phew… … You’ve saved me, Anzu-chan. Thanks a ton!

But seriously—what’s going on here?

Souma: I am not entirely sure myself. Mikejima-dono barged into the office out of nowhere, demanding that Anzu-dono’s person be handed over to him—

Madara: Now, now, there’s reeeally no need for you to glare at me so terrifyingly like that. 

I only took Kaoru-san ‘hostage’ because waiting around would’ve been boring, and that was just a little demonstration of what could’ve happened if things really got like that! 

Souma: For crying out loud. Pulling a stunt like that with no warning does nothing but cause a public disturbance… 

So tell me, Mikejima-dono, what exactly do you want with Anzu-dono? Surely you have a valid reason for storming in here like this?

Madara: In my defence, I absolutely do! I hurried over here after receiving a tip from Rei-san—

Kaoru: From Rei-kun? Now that you mention it, he did say something earlier about receiving an interesting message from you… …

Madara: Exactly. I have something I really, really want to ask Anzu-san directly! 

However, when I sent her a message, I didn’t get a reply. That’s why I asked Rei-san if he knew where she was. 

He told me she’d be here at RythLin’s office, so naturally, I rushed right over!

Souma: Umu. Anzu-dono was in the middle of a consultation with me, so she likely did not get a chance to reply.

Kaoru: Okay, but what’s the urgent thing you needed to ask Anzu chan about, such that you had to crash in here like this, Mikejima-kun?

Madara: Anzu-san, come do Halloween with me!

Kaoru / Souma: ... ... ...?

Madara: Oh myyy? No reaction at aaall? Could it be that you didn’t hear me?

There’s no helping it. I guess I’ll just have to say it louder!

ANZU-SAN! COME! DO HALLOWEEN! TOGETHER WITH MEEE!

Prologue / Chapter 2

Lupine Halloween Masterlist

(To be continued)

Translator's Notes:

In Main Story 2, during the SS1 Satellite, Hokuto, the leader of Trickstar, broke his Secret Order (Do not go against the Management) and incurred its penalty (something precious will be taken away from you). This punishment manifested as Trickstar being thrown into the jungle and losing their opportunity to perform in SS. Anzu negotiated with the Gatekeeper to free Trickstar from the jungle and paid the price: house arrest as his guest/ prisoner throughout the SS period, which prevented her from fulfilling her duties as Producer. During her isolation, Anzu had an abundance of free time and apparently used it to draft numerous plans for the ES idols to keep herself busy in her loneliness besides binge-eating on GK's dime and maxing out his credit. (Heartwarmingly, a large number of these were dedicated to MaM!) Meanwhile, Souma was in Okinawa, participating in SS2 Submarine aka the Akatsuki/Ryuseitai tour.

In Ensemble Stars! (ES), Dream Festivals (DLFS) were ranked according to their prestige. From lowest to highest, the ranks were: N1, R2, R1, and SS. N1 (or A1 in the earlier version) was designated for newcomers (New Face events). R2 applied to perpetually ongoing events. R1 covered major seasonal events. SS isn't mentioned in the guide (but should be referring to the grand events that are SS in !-Era and Main Story 2). Source: 4Gamer Enstars Guide

Madara’s exclamation "たのもおおおう......☆" (tanomooou) is a drawn-out form of 頼もう (tanomou), an old-fashioned expression of “Pardon me!” / “Excuse me!” commonly used by visiting samurai to request entry. This dramatic guy... ...

Gast: Huh? That’d be a really great help but… … Do you have something to do at the bookstore too, Ren?

Ren: … … Yeah. There’s a book I want. I’ll grab it while I’m there. 

Gast: Well, that works out perfectly. Let’s go ♪

______________________________________________________

 < At the bookstore… Bells at the door chime as they enter. >

Roy: Ah, Gast-san! Thanks for your hard work today!

Gast: Hey, Roy. On store duty today, huh? 

Roy: Yeah. My parents are out running errands, so I’m holding the fort for now. What can I help you with? Comics? Fashion mags? We’ve got them all. 

Gast: Actually, I’m thinking of reading a novel for a change. Ren here is going to recommend something for me. 

Ren: … … … …

Roy: Oh? Back again today? 

Gast: Hm? Again today? 

Roy: Yep. He was here yesterday too. Isn’t that right, Ren? 

Ren: … … … Uh. Y-yeah.

Gast: Huh? Didn’t you say you had a book you wanted to get? 

Ren: Uh. There was something I forgot to buy. 

Roy: Wow. Even after buying close to ten books yesterday, you’re already back for more. You must really love books, huh? 

Ren: … … Yeah. 

Roy: Well, let me know if you need anything. If we don’t have it in the store, we can always order it for ya. 

Gast: Well, I don’t want to keep you from your work either, so we’ll just browse for now. 

Roy: Sure, take your time! ______________________________________________________

Gast: Well, here we are in the novel section. So many books… It’s hard to know where to start, huh~? 

Ren: Well, what kind of books are you looking for? 

Gast: Hmm, something easy to follow. Complicated plots are a bit much for me, so I’d prefer something entertaining over artsy. 

That said, if you’re recommending love stories or something… I guess I could read one—for, you know, educational purposes. 

Ren: No, I won’t be able to recommend anything from a genre I don’t read. 

Well, how about this book—The Door into Winter? It looks like something you might enjoy. 

It’s a classic Sci-Fi novel. The premise isn't complex, so it’s easy to get into and it’s got a solid plot. It’s also a common choice for children’s book reports. 

Gast: Oh, Sci-Fi, huh? I’ve avoided it cos’ the premises always seemed too complicated, but if kids can enjoy it, I probably can too.

Ren: And this one here’s a short horror story, but I recommend it too—The White Cat. The plot twist at the end is great. 

Gast: It’s nice that it’s short—but, uh, horror? I don’t dislike it, but right now, I’m in the mood for something more light-hearted. 

Ren: A light-hearted story… … In that case, how about—A Cat Am I? I’m not a fan of the ending, but it’s light and easy to read—

Gast: Huh? W-wait a second. 

Ren: What? 

Gast: These are all books about cats, aren’t they? Even The Door into Winter—it’s got cats on the cover!

Ren: … … It’s just a coincidence. Every one of them is a classic with an entertaining and easy-to-understand story. 

Gast: Hmm? Is that so? In that case, I’ll take all three. 

Gast: I’ll let you know my thoughts on them after I’m done ♪

Ren: Write them down. I’ll read it if it’s in the form of a book report. 

Gast: Haha, deal. By the way, aren’t you going to grab some books yourself, Ren? 

Ren: I’m good. 

Gast: Huh? Didn’t you say there was something you forgot to buy?

Ren: ! 

Uh—I thought I did, but it turns out I didn't. So just go and pay for your stuff already. 

Gast: ? Okay…  ______________________________________________________

<A few minutes later. The doorbells of the bookstore chime as they leave. > 

Gast: Well, I’ll save these novels for bedtime reading. Since we’re already here, how about we drop by a darts bar on our way back? 

Ren: You… Darts again? 

Gast: Haha. It’s a fun and casual way to pass the time, you know? It’s just that it’s no fun to play alone, so I need someone to play against… …

Ren: … … If it’s just for a little while, I’ll join you. 

Gast: Wha—Ren!? You mean it!?

Ren: What’s with that reaction? 

Gast: It’s just so unexpected, Ren. You usually wouldn’t agree to play darts with me… …

Ren: Oi, are we going or not? Make up your mind. 

Gast: Oh, we’re going! Haha, there’s a place nearby I go to regularly. Come on, let me show you the way ♪

______________________________________________________

<Later, outside the darts bar… >

Gast: Wowww~ that was a blast. We somehow ended up playing five games, huh? 

I’ve got to say, Ren, you’re a natural. The way you corrected yourself after a miss was seriously impressive. 

Ren: Hmph. Darts isn’t even that hard. Once you’ve got your form down, it’s all about making adjustments, just like you would for shooting. 

Gast: No way, that’s the hardest part! If we’d played one more game, I’d probably have lost. 

Ren: Who knows? But I wouldn’t have minded playing another round with you. 

Gast: Hmmm~?

Ren: Huh? What? 

Gast: I was just thinking…  you’re being unusually social today, Ren.

Ren: … … That’s not true. 

Gast: No, it totally is. 

Um. Usually, when I invite you to do something, you hit me with a bunch of sharp responses like “Not interested,” “Not my concern,” or “Stop bothering me.” Those really sting, you know? 

Ren: Well, it’s because you’re hella annoying, that’s why. 

Gast: See! That’s exactly the kind of response I’m talking about!

Ren: … … Sigh.

Gast: Don’t get me wrong, I’m genuinely happy you agreed to hang out. However, if I’m really forcing you to do stuff you rather not, I’d feel bad about it. 

Ren: … … When I was delivering those letters, you went out of your way to help me with the route planning. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to return the favour once in a while. 

But I didn’t expect you to overthink it and call it me being “unusually social.”

Gast: Oh~, so that’s why, huh? 

Haha. Sorry, that was a mean thing for me to say earlier. I was just surprised you agreed to hang out with me—it’s rare, so I got carried away. 

Ren: Hmph… …

Gast: Hey~, would you mind hanging out with me for a little longer? Things have been so hectic lately, I could really use something relaxing. 

Ren: … … Something relaxing? 

Gast: I’d like to go spend some time with cats. That’s the ultimate stress relief, isn’t it? 

Ren: There’s no helping it, I guess. I’ll join you, just this once. 

Gast: Haha, thank you~ ♪

Ren: Hey. Let's get going already. 

Gast: Alright~ ♪

The End

______________________________________________________

Translator's Notes:

This story cat's whims is unlocked from the skill tree in Gast Adler’s 3* Hero Card, Dear Mr. Postman.

It's also dedicated to e-san. Thank you for all the encouragement, the 2am brainrotting over Enstars and Helios, for laughing with me at Ren's tsundere way of caring, at Gast's being so uwu, at whether Gast was teasing or serious about Ren recommending love stories, at the irony of Gast not getting Sci-fi despite being in a game that's all about it and so on. I'm so glad that we have the same oshis. Merry Christmas!

The last time I checked, it looked like you were giving all sorts of wrong answers and getting “eaten” by everyone left, right and centreee…

Ohhh? Really? You say your rate of correct answers has improved since then? Well dooone, Anzu-san!

You’ve come such a long way since I managed to trick you at the start. YES, YES, MAMA IS SOOO PROUD OF YOU! ☆

Uhhh. By the way, what did you think of aaall the idols’ performances in the Wolf Game?

Hmmm? You reeeally enjoyed how there weren’t only cool wolves but cute ones too, and how some scenarios made your heart skip a beat? 

I see, I see! If that’s how Anzu-san feels, then it sounds like this project is shaping up to be a big success!

I’m sure the fans will love it too ♪ I’ll be sure to share your thoughts with everyone later!

Now, please hold out your hand—I’ve got a little thank-you gift for you. Consider this my apology for tricking you before the Wolf Game started—the sweets I failed to give you earlier... ♪

Anzu-san, thank you so much for helping with the rehearsal. Thanks to your efforts, everyone’s fully prepared to give their best for the main event.

Happy Halloween ♪ This year’s celebration is looking like it’ll be a fantastic one too!

Prologue / Main Masterlist

Translator's Notes:

Even though that show has ended, I’m reeeally grateful that all of you have showed up here to cheer me on ♪

Fufun~! This time, I’m up on stage before you as Mikejima Madara, the Festival Man, and I hope you enjoy this side of me to the fullest as well!

NOW THEN, LET’S GET THIS THRILLING, HEART-POUNDING FESTIVAL STARTED! LET’S ALL LOSE OURSELVES IN THIS WHITE-HOT FESTIVAL SPIRIT TOGETHEEER ♪ 

♪~ ♪~ ♪~ ]

<A few days later. In NEWDI’s office.>

Leo: Whoa, fancy running into you here, Mama! UCHUU~ ☆

Madara: ——In the end, what, exactly, is “MaM” even supposed to be… …? 

Leo: Uwah? What’s gotten into you all of a sudden, Mama? Are you suffering from adolescent angst? 

WAHAHA! It’s kinda weird thinking of you going through something like adolescence even though you’re Mama, huh!

Madara: Oh myyy. Is that you, Leo-san? When in the world did you sneak up beside me? 

Leo: Do you mean you only noticed my presence now?! I’ve been greeting you so enthusiastically for ages, Mikejimama!

Also, I’ve yet to receive a cheerful greeting from Mama, so I’m starting to get really worried over here!  

Madara: Haha! Sorry, my bad! In that case, let's start over… …

LEO-SAAAAN, IT’S MAMAAAA ☆ GOOD AFTERNOOOON!

Leo: WAHAHAHA! Now, that’s the loud, over-the-top Mama I know!

All things considered, it’s pretty rare to see Mama fretting over personal stuff like this, huh?

Oh, I’ve got it! If you’ve got the luxury of thinking about your worries, Mama, that must mean we've finally achieved world peace, haven't we? ☆

Madara: Hmmm? What makes you say that, Leo-san?

Leo: That’s cos’ Mama is always on the go, looking out for everyone else!

So, if you’ve finally got a moment to focus on yourself, that means there’s no one out there in need of saving right now. What else would you call that, if not world peace?! 

Leo: Yes, that’s gotta be it. And I’m gonna name this song I just came up with, “The Song of World Peace” … … ♪

Madara: Hey, now. You’re blowing my worries wayyy out of proportion, you knowww? 

Besides, there are countless people throughout the world who will never get the help they need because my hands can’t possibly reach them, no matter how hard I try. 

So—“World peace has been achieved”? I couldn’t say that, even if my life depended on it, you knowww? 

Leo: Fair point. I guess I’ll need a new title for that song, huh? 

But honestly, Mama, I’m so glad you’re actually opening up about your troubles with me.

You’ve been strangely distant from us for forever and a day now, and it had me feeling super-duper worried!

Madara: Ugh. Hahaha. I didn’t realise even you have been feeling that way, Leo-san 

Well, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting after going through “The Child-Raising Struggles of MaM”—and I guess I finally got around to reflecting on myself. 

Leo: I see, I see! I reckon that’s a good thing, because if anything, you’ve always been way too indifferent towards yourself, Mama!

Leo: Errr. But what’s got you suddenly questioning what “MaM” is really all about?

Madara: Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I wanted to take a bold step forward as the “newly reborn” MaM!

Madara: Ugh. But, despite having such a lofty goal in mind, it feels like I haven’t made any progress at aaall.

“The Child-Raising Struggles of MaM” was a huge hit with the public, and MaM’s popularity has improved by leaps and bounds. 

Thanks to that, job offers for MaM have been rolling in, but it’s been a while since that programme ended, so I think it’s about time to wrap things up. 

Madara: That's why I’m itching to tackle a massive project now and declare to the world what this new MaM can do!

Leo: Woooah, it looks like you’re even more fired up about work than usual, Mama!

Madara: Despite saying that, I honestly have no real ideas for what I want to do. 

Above all, I’d like to work on something big together with Anzu-san, but…

Leo: Hmm? What do you mean—“You want to work together with Anzu”? Weren't you working on a project with her recently?

Madara: Sigh. That Live job I just did was indeed something given to me by Anzu-san, but—

It’s more like she handed the work over to me and that was it; it didn’t feel like we were working ‘together’.

Madara: Um. Anzu-san seems really busy too—we haven’t had a chance for a proper meet-up after the final episode of the show ended.

I’d reeeally like to work face-to-face with her again after so long, but it kinda feels like she’s been avoiding me. 

I thought we had already patched things up, but could it be that deep in her heart, she’s still feeling upset…?

Leo: Hm~m, I don’t think that’s the case at all, though? 

I was talking to Anzu in the office the other day, and we chatted about Mama, too. She didn’t seem upset at all.

If anything, aren’t you the one avoiding her, Mama?

Madara: Huh? Why do you say that?

Leo: Because the Mama I know would’ve charged straight up to Anzu without a second thought! You’ve never let something like her being busy stop you before!

Madara: Hahaha, that was never my intention at aaall, though. Even though it looked like I was just charging in, I’ve always considered the situation and timing when doing so, you knowww? That said—Approaching Anzu-san to speak with her directly face-to-face is probably the best way to start. 

Madara: Er, by the way, it's a bit late to ask this now, but—what are you doing here, Leo-san?

Leo: About that! I’ve got some free time before my afternoon gig, so I stopped by the office! Then Oba-chan asked if I could help with some cleaning since I was free—

—and I figured I’d start with this shelf! And then you showed up, Mama, looking totally lost in thought!

Madara: I see, so you were cleaning, huh? But honestly? Putting Leo-san in charge of cleaning is such a questionable choice, though! (2) 

Leo: Wahaha, I think so too!

Anyway, it looks like there are all sorts of old, rejected project proposals stacked on this shelf. I started flipping through some of them, and now I’m just overflowing with inspiration!

Madara: In that case, leave the cleaning to me, and go compose to your heart’s content, Leo-san! 

Leo: Thank you so much, Mikejimama! Mama’s generosity is firing up my brain with new flashes of inspiration ♪

The sorrow of these aborted projects that never got to see the light of day is springing forth in my mind as melodies...☆ 

Madara: … … Here goes, oof. At any rate, it’s such a crying shame that there are sooo many projects penned down here, and not a single one of them realized.   

… …Hmm? The author of this proposal—was Anzu-san? And this one here, as well…

Hmmm. It looks like most of the ideas here were hers. 

Madara: … … … …

Since they’re just going to be thrown away anyway, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take a look?

I’d like to work with Anzu-san, so these projects feel like hidden treasures to me!

<A while later.>

Madara: ——Oh maaan. Talk about suffering the consequences of one's own actions... ...

Who would've thought practically all of these shelved proposals were meant for MaM… ...?

Chapter 1

Lupine Halloween Masterlist

(To be continued)

Translator’s Notes:

【子育て『MaM』の奮闘記】 or The Child-Raising Struggles of MaM, a programme that Madara appeared in so as to look after J, during the DF Climax Event, Last Mission.

Reference to how terrible Leo is at cleaning up can be read in the Midori/Leo/Shinobu/Madara Scout story, Orient.

MaM… … in other words, me, yours truly—has been travelling aaall over the country attending festivals, and taking on the role of cranking up the party mood to the MAX! I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do!

I love having a great time, and if you decide to make me your oshi, I’ll guarantee you’ll have a blast too! I promise you’ll never have a dull moment when I’m around!

Ahhh, I reeeally wish we could chat face-to-face instead of through this video call. If you're interested, I'd be totally delighted if you could come attend one of my Lives!

Epilogue

Translator’s Notes:

“推し” or oshi is how one refers to your favourite/your bias in an idol Unit.

Madara: Haha, you seem reeeally stumped! Well, they say you should be able to tell by looking at the colour of my hands…

Come on, take a closer look… …♪

Alright, so Anzu-san has chosen the right hand, huuuh? Well, the correct answer is—

Madara: There’s NOTHING in either hand! GOTCHA ☆

Hahaha. Are you gonna be okayyy being this easy to trick? Especially since you’ll be helping out with the Halloween event rehearsal being held at ES!

——As you’ve probably heard, Anzu-san, from here on out, you’ll need to determine if the idols are telling you a “truth” or spinning a “lie”. 

Guess it right, and you’ll be rewarded—but guess wrong, and the idol playing the wolf will gobble you up in one big GULP! ♪

Everyone will be taking this rehearsal with Anzu-san veryyy seriously, so we can make all the fans happy!

If you believe everything the idols say, like you did just now, you’ll get eaten by the wolves again and again—so do beware!

Come, come, the lying wolves are waiting for youuu ♪

Are they telling the truth, or spinning a sneaky lie? Just how many will you be able to catch, Anzu-san?

POLTERGEIST

🎨 Prologue

🎨 The Sketch in the Rubbish Heap:        Chapter  1 -  2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 

🎨 The Neverland of Grudges       Chapter  1 -  2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9

🎨 Epilogues: 1 - 2 - 3

———————————————————

It’s only gonna get tougher to move as Double Face, and the problem of MaM's lack of direction has not been solved either. 

Organising this festival has given me an idea of what lies ahead, though―)

Madara: ( It doesn’t matter how meaningful or grand an event I put together may be, the sins and stains I carry will never be washed away. 

It doesn’t matter how many beautiful and sparkling things I surround myself with either, my ugly past won’t just disappear.

Even if I do everything I can to hide it away, it all would come erupting out at the slightest trigger.

I've no right to sneer at The Priest, or at those foolish adults who tried to erase the memories of the fire—

I’m no different from them at all—Just another villain trying to cover up the truth with pretty lies—)

Madara: ... ...Huh? Did you just say something to me, Arashi-san?

Arashi: What? I don’t really have anything to say to you at this point, do I, Mama?

Arashi: If I did have something to say, it would be this: Focus! What’s the matter? Have you lost your edge after detouring about all over the place—MaM?

Madara: I’ve not been taking detours at all, but—

Still, it reeeally stings to be mocked by a kouhai, even if you are from the prestigious Knights, one of the ES Big 3.

I’d better get my act together so I won’t get teased by you anymore.

Arashi: That’s right. I know you’ve got it in you. You’re the type who can do anything once you set your mind to it, Mama!

Madara: Hahaha! Anyone who didn’t know what’s going on would be sooo confused to hear you say that to me, wouldn’t they? That’d be reeeally hilarious!

Madara: (Hmm. That person who was speaking to me earlier seems to be a staff member from Dancing Cranes Home. They’re the real deal, someone who’s been working here for quite a while—

Who are they, again? They’re chatting with Anzu-san now, and both of them are smiling happily as they watch the stage. 

Hahaha. No matter the time or place, Anzu-san always seems to be able to find happiness in moments that have nothing to do with me. 

Maybe it’s arrogant of me to think, “I’ll protect her” or “I’ll save her” —like that. Honestly, I’m unqualified to say stuff like that at aaall. 

But it doesn’t matter. As long as she’s enjoying the festival, that’s enough for me—)

Arashi: Hmmm… … What’s that staff member’s name again? 

They’re the one who calmed the kids down after I read that picture book to them and made them cry.

I really must remember to thank them properly later.

Madara: Nah~, I don’t think there’s any need for that. 

They already came over and thanked me earlier. I think organising this entire festival can be considered thanks enough from us.

Arashi: Hmm? Well, if even one of the staff members is enjoying the show, then I’d say the festival is a grand success!

Madara: They also said, “Thank you for the loving care you’ve shown to my friends, and for trying to comfort their sorrowful hearts—”

Arashi: Huh? What’s that again?

Madara: And… “All of you are just as kind and wonderful as always, aren’t you?”—That was what they told me. 

Arashi: … … Can it be, that person was actually… …?

Madara: That seems to be the case. It’s said that the Priest and his son, Kurone Hitsugi-san, are masters at transforming themselves to impersonate others. So, I guess this must be “one of those situations.”

Arashi: Eh? Are you saying that that staff worker was actually NEGI-chan, disguised as “someone who doesn’t really exist?”

Haha! I would feel really happy, if that were true~

Because that would mean our voices can be received loudly and clearly by anyone, even the dead. 

Madara: That’s the reason we sing with all our might, isn’t it?

So that our melodies can keep on resounding, now and forever——

All of us, singing with all our hearts. 

Madara: HAHAHA! Who would’ve thought there was something like “that” in meee, too! What an ecstatic surprise, what a thrilling delight! Festivals are truly such fun and joyous events, aren’t they, my friends!

I may not know what the future holds, but right now, I’m smiling from the bottom of my heart!

—Thank you for watching this humble performance! No, I should say, I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of your night! (1) That’s all, folks! ♪ 

[♪  ~ ♪  ~ ♪  ~]

The End

Epilogue 2 / Story Masterlist

Translator's Notes

Madara says お粗末！ (Osomatsu!) followed by お後がよろしいようで♪ (O-ato ga yoroshii you de). These phrases are traditionally used in Japanese performing arts like rakugo (Japanese comic storytelling). お粗末！ (Osomatsu!) translates to "It was a poor performance" or "It was nothing special." This humble expression is used by performers to modestly downplay their performance, even if it was excellent, showing respect for the audience. お後がよろしいようで (O-ato ga yoroshii you de) translates to "I hope you have a pleasant time." This polite phrase is used to wish the audience well as the performance concludes.

Aaaand this is the end of Poltergeist! I hope you all enjoyed this story! I'd like to give a shoutout to Mamacord for always supporting me, brainrotting and screaming about Mikejima Madara with me, and also, for wishing nothing but the best and happiness for him till the very end.

PS: In 2024 Limit Break talk, Madara has found his direction as MaM after BBB. 🎉Also, his Feature Scout 2 story has him very confident and secure as MaM, to the point that the focus of his story wasn't that he was nervous about the performance or worried about the image he wanted to portray in his photoshoot, but his willingness and wish to work hard and help others.

I hope I translated for the voices of everyone's oshis well. If you have any feedback there, please DM me.

Madara: Of course, those memories will also inevitably stir up feelings of pain and sorrow as well—

Memories linked to the dreadful fire which took their dearest friend away from them.

Some might say it would be kinder to erase away all the reminders of that tragedy, to block out the past—

But that’s just the adults’ cold logic speaking—a one-sided kindness forced upon the children to assuage their own guilt.

After all, the children chose to preserve this painting and to hold on to their memories.

I want to—and I believe we should—respect their feelings.

I totally get how they feel; my own happy memories are precious to me too. No matter how tough things got, those memories gave me the strength to push through them all—

—like the times Kanata-san and Anzu-san would burst into merry laughter whenever I performed some silly antics. They’d clap their hands with such happy smiles, and ask me to do it again and again.

Those little moments were my lifeline through it all.

Fufu. It’s reeeally not like me to be saying stuff like this so candidly, huh~?

Madara: But these are my true feelings, stripped bare of all statuses and titles. Not as an idol, or the son of a cop and a gangster(1)—

Just me, speaking from the heart.

Tsumugi: Fufu. So, Mikejima-kun, you planned for this final event by staying true to those feelings, huh?

Madara: Exactly. This painting will be restored, and every year, a ceremony will be held around it to honour the memory of the lost.

Arashi: Yes. It’ll be a yearly tradition from now on, just like the Tanabata festival we hold in Yumenosaki.

Even though the Memorial was torn down and demolished—

—there are definitely things left behind which will never fade. In our memories, in the songs and melodies we offer up during the festival, something precious will surely endure—

Treasures those foolish adults will never understand the true value of. 

This is a resounding requiem that will echo the heavens and soothe the souls of those unfortunate children. 

As idols, let’s raise our voices and sing with all our hearts—

And in doing so, this programme will be an resounding success. It will be broadcast across the internet and TV channels to reach every corner of the world, and be preserved in the hearts and hard drives of everyone who watches it—

And not even God himself will be able to erase every trace of it.

Natsume: That’s rigHT. Let’s use modern technology and every means at our disposal to make the children’s wish come trUE—

Their humble wish of not forgetting their frieND—nO, rathER, to make her memory an enduring oNE—we will make it happEN. 

Tsumugi: That’s right. Let’s ensure the bonds between them are preserved forever. 

It’s a festival night, the perfect occasion to weave such magic.  

Natsume / Tsumugi: ——𝒲𝑒, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝒹𝑒𝓇𝓃-𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓃𝓈, 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒹𝑒𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝒾𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓁𝑒.

Tsumugi:  [~ … … ♪ Come now, everyone from the Lion Group, please join us on stage~ ♪ ]

Natsume: [ ♪~ ♪~ After aLL, we’ve been practising tirelessly together for this very dAY, haven’t wE? 

CoME, everybody from the elite Rabbits Group, and display the skills you’ve polished while the other children have been playiNG!]

Madara: [HAHAHA! The world fears the hated child! (2) The Kaijuu Group won’t be outdone eitherrr! 

Come, channel your anger, your impulses—not to hurt others, but to make others happy ♪ ]

Arashi: [ Oh my! How unfair it is for the boys to be the only ones dominating the stage! The girls will never be outshone! Come on, children from the Rafflesia Group and Sunflower Group, let’s show them how it’s done!

Your age or gender doesn’t matter here, let’s sing our Ensemble out loud together! ]

Madara: [ HAHAHA! YES! IT’S A FESTIVAL, A FESTIVAL TONIIIGHT! LET’S RAISE THE ROOF TOGETHER, EVERYBODYYY! LET’S CAST OFF THE GLOOM OF THE PAST AND DREAM OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE!

HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAMS, AND FIGHT FOR THEM WITH YOUR OWN TWO HANDS!

THE ADULTS ARE THE ONES IN CHARGE OF THIS WORLD! THEY SHAPED EVERYTHING FOR THEIR OWN CONVENIENCE AND BENEFIT!

BUT HEY, IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE STORY THEY’RE FORCING ON YOU, THERE’S NO NEED FOR YOU TO PLAY YOUR PART IN THEIR SCRIPT, YOU KNOWWW?

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO WASTE YOUR LIFE AS A SUPPORTING CHARACTER IN SOMEONE ELSE’S STORY, THEN GRAB THE PEN, AND WRITE YOUR OWN!

USE US AS YOUR ROLE MODELS AND CREATE THE STORY YOU WANT!]

Madara: [LET US START WRITING TOGETHER, HERE AND NOW!

LET’S START A NEW STORY! WE’LL CAST ASIDE ALL OUR NEGATIVE  EMOTIONS AND EMBRACE THE HAPPY MEMORIES AS WE START A NEW JOURNEY!

TONIGHT’S THE PERFECT NIGHT FOR OUR NEW BEGINNING!

HERE’S WISHING EVERYBODY A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAAAAAR! ☆] 

—————-To be continued——————

Epilogue 1 / Epilogue 3

Translator’s Notes:

Madara actually says son of a police officer and a 極道 (gokudou, literally “extreme path”) which is synonymous with Yakuza. However, Yakuza has a thoroughly negative connotation to it, while the term 'gokudou' doesn't have the same negativity.

Madara says “憎まれっ子世に憚る” here which is a bit confusing because it doesn't sound like a compliment. It has a variety of translations, like “Ill weeds grow the fastest” or “the devil’s child has the devil’s luck.” It's often used to describe someone or something that seems to prosper despite being ill-favoured, adversity or negative attention, like a class bully being appointed class President.

I returned to Yumenosaki in the Spring as a third-year student, carrying out activities as [MaM]. 

As you know, MaM is a Solo Unit, so I ended up collaborating with idols from other Units quite a lot!

Take WisteriaFes, for example—I had the chance to share the stage with Kanata-san, Souma-san, Chiaki-san and Shinobu-san, as well as aaall my adorable kouhais from the Track and Field Team ♪

Oh wow, sooo many things went down before we even hit the stage! Like me kidnapping Shinobu-san at the beginning, and then facing off Souma-san in that spinning top battle… …

In hindsight, I reeeally should have handled the situation better, but that was just my way of connecting with others at the time!

… … Oh, that’s right. I can’t forget the fun times during the Restoration Live performance with AKATSUKI, Tsumugi-san and the others!

I was grappling with own motives and issues back then, but when I look back on it nowww, all I can remember is purely “What a fun time that was!” 

Meeting Kuro-san, someone whom I can go all out with when we play, is such a stroke of luck for meee ♪

However, just like how Souma-san was, Kuro-san was super wary of me from the start too. I'm reeeally happy once again that we're able to get along so well now!

And after that… … Oh yeahhh! I can’t leave out the Live performance organised at Kanata-san’s Aquarium! That’s definitely one of my most treasured memories. 

Haha! I never imagined Kanata-san would take over the running of the place, but I’m sure the fishes are much happier having such a loving Manager take care of them, riiight? ♪

… … Whoops! Looks like I’ve been rambling on and on for quite a while, huh? 

There’s still a ton of stories to share about, like the time spent with the “Temporary Units” (1)—

It's such a shame to keep these vibrant memories hidden away in my heart, without revisiting them at least once.

That’s why I’ll share them now and then, when the time is right. After all, these are the youthful days I spent living life to the fullest, the way I wanted… …  ☆

Translator’s Notes:

Madara belonged to 3 Temporary Units in !-era. First, Team Ushiwakamaru from WisteriaFes, made of Madara, Kanata, Souma and Mitsuru. Second, Traumerei made up of Wataru, Keito, Izumi, Madara (in Diner Live). Hibiki Wataru created the Unit to oppose the Unit Knights Killers. Third, Ba-Barrier made up of Akiomi, Madara, Mika and Sora (in Rainbows).