[yumehito ueda] the idolmaster relations - volume 29

7/28/2019 [Yumehito Ueda] the Idolmaster Relations - Volume 29

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THE iDOLM@STER relations, volume 2Yumehito UedaOriginal Creator: Bandai Namco GamesSerialized in Comic REX, December 2007 to June 2008.Published by Ichijinsha under the label REX Comics

Inside Cover: This is the second volume, and it's Miki and 765Pro's Last Stage,so all you producers out there, please read on brimming with excitement. That would mean a lot to me.

08. Iori-sama's Birthday 309. Lost Memories 2510. BACK TO PREVIOUS PRODUCE 4511. Lost Memories 2 5912. STAND BY 7113. relations (First Movement) 10314. relations (Finale) 131Go to the NEXT STAGE!! THE IDOLM@STERGREAT PARTY Live Report 173Afterword 177

P: You sure you're okay with this, Kotori?

Kotori: Handling schedule changes on short notice is part of what I do. Don't worry about it.That aside, you've finished planning out everyone's production, haven't you?

P: Yeah, I guess I'm done. The Grand Prix -is- coming up pretty soon.From here on out, it's just a straight-up slugfest.

Kotori: Alright, well don't let your guard down!

P: Sure won't. Thanks as always!Okay...

I don't know how many nights I've skipped sleeping, but I've just got one more...Aahhh... Fuu....Oh man...She's giving me something much worse than the flu...

08. Iori-sama's Birthday

Idols: Oooh, wow!

Yayoi: Oh my god, it's... huge!I don't think I've ever seen a house this big!

Miki: Yeah, it's great!You some sort of celebrity or something, Iori? You're just loaded to the brim!

Iori: And where have you been, Mars or something?Daddy's invited a lot of his acquiantances here tonight,so could you all do me a favor and not make a scene?

Idols: YAY! WE WON'T!!!

Yayoi: THIS IS SO FEASTILIOUS!


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I'VE NEVER SEEN SO MUCH FOOD IN MY LIFE!

Haruka: Oh, check out that lady!She's so gorgeous in that dress!

Crowd: Hey there, aren't you the handsome one? (... Oh what? You're a girl?)Please, just one dance...No, with me!

Azusa: Oh my, how do I respond?

Iori: Oh, for crying out...Ah, whatever. I expected as much.

Ritsuko: Hey, you guys! Settle down, would you?!?You're making fools of yourselves. Geez, really.

Haruka/Miki/Ami: ... Who the crap?

Ritsuko: ... Who the what?

Haruka/Miki/Ami: WHAT THE CRAP?!? YOU'RE RITSUKO?!? Where're your glasses?

Ritsuko: Sure am.

Just think about the sort of place this is. All I did was dress accordingly.

Haruka/Miki/Ami: Our Ricchan...... cute?!?

Ritsuko: Okay, you guys.You got something against the glasses and braids?

Iori: Hey, let's all just settle down and relax...

Yukiho: Iori!

Iori: Huhn? I thought you two would've come come together...

... what happened?

Yukiho: Well... the Producer had some urgent business to take care of. He couldn't just leave it...

Iori: O... oh...Wha-whatever! Like I care!That guy can go off wherever he wants! I don't need him around!

Yukiho: Umm...He left me this to give to you...

Miki: IORI!

IS THAT A PRESENT I SEE?!?

Iori: Oh, hey...

Miki: WHATISITWHATISIT?!?

Iori: It's not even yours and you're excited...Ohit's a bunny strap.Geez, this guy doesn't know how to give gifts. Is this his idea of a present fit


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for a lady?

Miki: I guess?

Yukiho: But, it's so cute.

Iori: Whatever.It's not like I hate bunnies. I'll go ahead and take it for him. He went throughthe trouble of picking it out, after all.

Miki: Yukiho! Lookit that! Come on, let's go!

Yukiho: Wha... Miki...!

Iori: Ni hee hee!

Miki: Iori!Miki and everyone's got the bestest present in store for you! Wait for it!

Iori: Oh really?Well... it'd better be great!

Reika: It's been a while, Iori.

Iori: Reika...

Reika: Thank you very much for inviting us here today.I represent the entirety of the Tougouji Group. We all appreciate your invitation.

Iori: It's been a while since we've both seen each other at a party.

Reika: The Tougouji and Minase families have both known each other since we werekids, you know.I remember I was really glad that there was someone my age on the other side.

Iori: I was too.

You even into the same thing I was.But... you've changed, Reika.The Reika I knew then wouldn't be doing what you do now.

Reika: I learned a few things.Or rather...I should say it was more beat in to me.I thought idols were the sort of people that showed people they could live likemovie stars.I really believed that.But, Iori!You've seen it too!The entire business is just deception and scandals! If you're in it for love, yo

u're not gonna get far at all!Oh sure you can live like a star, but the stars are black and cold!So, that's why I decided...that's what I need to show the world. Even someone as filthy as me can stand atop the Idolmaster Grand Prix.It'll be like taking out the trash.My childhood dreams just keep playing and playing...and this is the only way I can end them.

Iori: Reika...


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I thought the same thing too, once.A lot of people in our business have sacrificed their morality for fame.Even me. Daddy's connections landed me in 765Pro without any effort on my part,you know.But then...I started looking at everyone around meand I started feeling ashamed.They fool around like idiots, but they're always looking ahead.It doesn't matter what accident they're caught in...As soon as they get kicked down, they'll pull themselves right back up.Reika. We're rivals, I know...but we both want the same thing, right?So, let's make it a match.I face you with nothing but my own ability.You face me with nothing but yours.

Reika: Iori... you've changed too.Or maybe you've just went back to the way you were before.Fine.I'll take you with nothing but my best.

Iori: Fair and square?

Reika: ... Of course.

Well then, I shall take my leave.

Iori: Reika.The real thing is out there.With her hopes and dreams. Right in front of me.

Reika: ... I hope when next we meet...... it'll be at the Idolmaster Grand Prix.

Miki: IORI!!!It's the moment you've been waiting for! It's time for presents!Everyone's gonna sing you your birthday song and stuff!

Iori: (High-strung as always...)Oh, guys...You really shouldn't...

Miki: HERE'S YOUR MIC, IORI!

Iori: Thanks... I mean, what? What's this for?

Miki: IORI'S GONNA SING TOO!

Iori: What sort of idiot are you?!?Why do I have to sing my own birthday song?!?

Miki: WHY NOT?!? YOU'LL HAVE A LOT MORE FUN!!!

Iori: Somebody stop this girl!

Reika: ...It's not bad, I guess.She's got what she likes.She's surrounded by friends with the same dreams.She's supported by so many people.And that's it, Iori...


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That's why...you aren't worthy...to be called an idol.

Haruka: Oh, Chihaya! The party started ages ago!

Chihaya: Haruka...

Tomomi: Oh...

Rin: It's Chihaya Kisaragi...

Chihaya: You three are from...Tougouji Productions, correct?

Reika: You bet! I'm Maou Angel's Reika Tougouji!Oh wow, the great Chihaya Kisaragi remembers us!Reika's so touched!

Chihaya: I do.I've listened to your songs.

Reika: Oh really?!? You have?!?

Chihaya: Your musicis depressing.

Reika: ... I guess it is.

Rin: Hey... you gonna just take that?

Reika: Oh, it's just the genuine article calling out an imitation for what it is.But just remember this, Chihaya Kisaragi.Genius is just a single tool in the shed.Just like my own Tougouji Group.Except there's nothing it can't do.

Have it your way...We'll take you on, 765Pro. Fair and square...But only accordingto -our- rules.I hope they enjoy this little party of theirs, as long as it'll last.As soon as they step out of their little world, the only thing they'll be enjoying is failure.The only idols that can survive out in the real world...are the ones that'll stop at nothing to destroy their competition.Iori, you're just a wannabe.But I...am a real idol.

Miki: Today, Miki's perfoming live on stage!She's worked hard! Her lessons and rehearsals went great!One of these daysmaybe Miki will be able to shine on stage like Chihaya.Still...

09. Lost Memories

P: Alright.Let's start rehearsing.


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......

Miki: Hey, Producer...

P: ... What?

Miki: Don'tcha think this venue...is a bit dead on the inside?Miki can't even remember the last time she got to be on stage!And you said you got a good place for me!You have any idea how much effort I put into my lessons?Aaaaagh... Miki's Tension is lowering...

P: Don't get so down...You know, that place I got you cancelled at the last minute.We really didn't have a choice, moving here.

Miki: Even still, this is the roof of some podunkville's store.There's not a customer in sight, either...

P: Uhh... just think of it as building character.

Miki: Gwaaaaar...

Kotori: Well this is odd...

P: Kotori, what's up?

Kotori: Nothing... just our offer for Ami's gig got pulled on us.

P: You're serious?

Kotori: The same thing's happened with Haruka and Yayoi's units, too...

P: ... Doesn't it seem that lately, anyone other than Tougouji Pro's idols...have experienced a surprising lack of exposure?

Kotori: I guess...There's also some rumors going around about them.They say they're snatching away every high-ranking idol they can find.

P: I heard about their Producer from Iori.When I thought about what happened to Miki, I thought just maybe...

Kotori: Maybe they did.They've got enough pull in the industry to affect just about anything.If they wanted to, it's definitely not impossible.

P: Well, whatever they're up to, we can't let it get to us.

Kotori: We'll have to come up with some sort of counter-strategy.Oh yeah...There's one more thing I have to tell you about.

P: What?

Kotori: It's about Chihaya Kisaragi.

P: ...


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Kotori: Ever since last month, all her appointments have been cancelled.None of them were last minute deals,so she's been able to cope so far, but...This could be the beginning of a downward spiral for her.I think she might need someone there...

P: Then I hope there's someone out there who can keep up with her.

Kotori: Producer... you can't be that person?

P: I don't think I'm...taking care of her anymore.But Chihaya doesn't really need anyone.She'll do just fine on her own.

Kotori: ...I hope for her sake...... what you say is true.

Chihaya: I've always aimed for perfection. Higher and higher...I've come this far, and I've relied only on myself.But this placehas more loneliness than anyone could bear.I could take off like a bird...

or I could fall back to the earth.Either way...it doesn't much matter.Wherever I find myself...... there'll be no one there but me.

Miki: Aaa...Afuu...Ah...Umm...Ha ha...The weather was really nice, you see?So I was thinking a nap would be nice too, you see?

Oh, and don't tell anyone I'm skipping out on my lesson, mm-kay?(Pretty please?)

Chihaya: ...... Sorry for disturbing you.

Miki: Um!Chihaya!

Chihaya: ... What?

Miki: Lately... you've been on break for a while and stuff...Everyone's... kinda worrying about you.

Chihaya: They don't have to. I'll be fine.I'm not the sort of person who particularly needs anyone's help.

Miki: You don't mean that, do you?

Chihaya: ... Excuse me?

Miki: Chihaya, you said it before, right?Idols are meant to be alone.


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But Miki...doesn't really get why.Her friends are around... the Producer is around...and they've helped Miki out many times over.

Chihaya: They have.But that's only now.Idols -are- meant to be alone.They gradually get that way.Everything you accomplish, you pay for in friendship.The more you want, the more you forsake your understanding of others.

Miki: But still...!The number of people who listen to your music doesn't stop growing!This is your dream, right? You've achieved it, right?Even Miki loved your songs so much, she wanted to become an idol!She's changed... no, she's been changed!By Chihaya's music!And all your fans are the same! I know!

Chihaya: Are they really?I thought just knowing that would make me happy, once...However...the one person who didn't change...

was me.I couldn't. It was never in me.I've always...... been the same old me...

Miki: You haven't!Chihaya...You've got so much more than Miki's ever had!

Chihaya: ......?

Miki: 'Cause you know, Chihaya...You've been at 765Pro longer...

... Much longer!And you've even become a top idol!Miki's still a low-rank idol,and she hasn't done anything special. But even then...She's made a lot of good memories!More than she can count!Miki wasn't really into this whole idol thing before her debut.She just thought it was a good idea at the time.But just thinking about on her time at 765Pro...it's almost strange.She can keep going.Chihaya, you too!This place has given you lots of memories too, right?

Chihaya: It hasn't.Not for me. Never for me.I've just been training my voice all by myself.The time I spent doing that is the only thing I have.

Miki: ...Chihaya...Wait up!


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P: Huh?Miki...Chihaya...

Miki: Producer...!Chiha...Hey!Why don't you say something?You can talk! She can't get any performance time lately, right? Can't you see how hard that's hit her?

P: What does it matter...I can't do anything for her.

Miki: ...!

P: More importantly,I need you to come downstairs.We have an urgent meeting.

Miki: ... We do?

10. BACK TO PREVIOUS PRODUCE

Miki: Wow!It's been too long...... since everyone's been together... and stuff...So, why're we all depressed?

Iori: 'Cause we're not space cadets like you.You even have a clue about what's going on lately?

Yukiho: Our promotions...We've been able to get less and less...

Kotori: And it's not just you guys.The producer, Ritsuko, and I...

We've all been keeping up with your production, but...

Ritsuko: Since last month, our scheduled promotions have been getting cancelledone by one.And the number of offers we've been getting have dwindled as well.

P: Right.There was even a recent incident...

Haruka: Wha...Producer?Our outfit and makeup seem to be a little different this time.(I feel dark!)

P: We're looking to hit them with a surprise.We've made your new song just for that. It's nothing like how your image has been before.

Haruka: Oh, but I like our song!I feel like I've discovered a new me...(Heh heh heh...)

Azusa: But I'm impressed, Producer!


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I'm sure we'll be able to stand out at this audition now!

Announcer: Entry Number 1! Tougouji Production's Red Shoulder!

Red Shoulder: Kneel before us!(Call us Queen!)

Azusa/Haruka/P: No way!(They've set us up the bomb!)

Ritsuko: It's pretty obvious this is corporate espionage...Though I suppose corporate sabotage is the better term.

Iori: How far are you willing to go...Reika...

Yukiho: Iori...

Ami: Hey... what's gonna happen to Ami and everyone?

Mami: Will we ever make it on TV again?

Idols: ...

Miki: So that's it?We got nothing?

P: Well... not really. It's not like there's nothing out there...But honestly, our situation here isn't exactly great.

Miki: Alrighty then!All we gotta do is just do what we've always done, right?

Idols: ... What?

Miki: Even if we can't do anything in public...it's not like our fans have up and disappeared!

Iori: Oy vey...I think the same thing every time. Where does that cluelessness come from?We're Rank C idols.All we got are things like road trips...

Miki: ButNo... isn't gonna be your answer to that?

Iori: Of course not!I'm not the same childish brat I was before!

P: Oh really. Who was throwing a fit because she had to take something she didn'

t like?

Iori: Oh, stuff it!

Idols: Ha...Heh heh...

Yukiho: Ahahaha!

Yayoi: Uuuuu! You can count on me!


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Makoto: Right on!

Haruka: Producer!

Mami: Ami-Mami won't slack off!

Kotori: They've all grown...

P: Yeah.

Kotori: All that's left is the Idolmaster Grand Prix.At the moment, Chihaya Kisaragi still has her invitation to it.However...

P: ...

Rin: Whoo-hoo!We're invited to the Grand Prix!I think we're getting closer to the time when Maou Angel will reign supreme!

Tomomi: The only person from 765Pro with an invitation seems to be Chihaya Kisaragi.

Reika: Well, no helping that.I guess we can't do everything to stop the amount of popularity she's got.

Rin: But she's the real deal.If she goes up, I don't think buying off the judges or the audience will do squat.We'll bash heads against her! Rin doesn't like this. Not at all!

Tomomi: Currently, taking on Chihaya in a straight up fight will only end in failure. We might not have a choice, though.

Reika: I've already made arrangements in case she does come out of her slump.

Rin: Arrangements? Like what?

Reika: Ha, ha... There's nothing that Reika Tougouji can't get her hands on.Ever hear of, "An eye for an eye?"Talent is just another pawn on the board.And -those- aren't too hard to come across, are they?

P: Haven't had a meeting -here- in a while.We typically use this place to get acquianted with our new idols, but I gotta say...It's kinda odd for a corporate custom...

Miki: Eh heh heh!

You got acquianted with Miki here, too!I bet you thought you were lucky!You got a cutie like me join you!

P: Uh...I thought I was getting worked to death handling a total ditz.

Miki: Gaaaaah!How'd it go for Chihaya?


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P: ...How indeed...It was awkward at first, for both of us.Maybe we were fine for a while.Or maybe, as a producer...I had it all wrong.It's all ancient history, though.Moving on. Miki, the next thing we've got for you...

Miki: It's not.

Producer: ... What's not?

Miki: Ancient history.Producer, you're not doing what you should be doing.

P: ...?

Miki: Right now, the one thing you should be doing...is meeting with Chihaya and stuff!

Reika: We're almost there...

Rin: I guess. It's almost time for them to announce who's in the Grand Prix.

Tomomi: Reika...

Reika: Well then... let's end this.This'll be a fake-on-fake free-for-all. A stupid, worthless game...which will be won by the Master of all Idols, Reika Tougouji!

11. Lost Memories 2

Narration: Three years earlier

Reika: What?You're serious?

Our own unit, Lucky Angel, is going to be on television with the famous Setsugetsuka?!?

Rin: No joke?

Tomomi: This is great, Reika!

Reika: Aaah... Ahhh...

Rin: Reika, meet Red Rings of Death.

Tomomi: Reika...They're your heroes, aren't they?

Reika: ... Sure are!Oooooh, this is all kinds of awesome! Listening to their lyrics is like living in a dream!It's like no matter where you are, their music will just pick you back up!Their leader, Yuki, even writes all the lyrics herself!Tsuki and Hana are just as inspiring!

Rin: Sure, sure.


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Tomomi: Here we go again...

Reika: I never thought, not once...I would even be allowed to set foot on stage with them!

Tomomi: Reika, you should give yourself some more credit.

Reika: Huh?

Tomomi: You could've used all your family's resources to get where you are, butyou haven't.This is an accomplishment, considering your age. You're made a name for yourself, all by yourself.

Rin: Rin agrees!Your family can do so much, and you use them so little.But would it hurt to use them to get us our stage outfits?!? We're working part-time like what and we're barely scraping together the cash for them!(I NEED MORE CLOTHES!)

Reika: Sorry, guys.We've been shedding sweat and tears because of me...but don't you think doing it the easy way is just a bit unfair?The only things that make you stronger...

... are those things you obtain through hardship.They taught me that. It's in their music.

Rin: Whoa, hold it there! Public embarrassment is strictly prohibited!

Tomomi: Ha, ha...

Reika: What? Why?!?You want to cancel our performance?I don't... get it...

Setsugetsuka: Oh, puh-lease.What's not to get?

Reika: You...You're Setsugetsuka!

Setsugetsuka: And you little twerps... are a damn eyesore.You guys've been getting pretty popular lately.All we wanna do is nip a rival in the bud.

Reika: ...!!

Setsugetsuka: So, we asked nicely.(*snicker*)And a bureaucratic little friend of Yuki's gladly obliged.

Reika: What... I... why...I...wanted to be just like you... You gave me so much inspiration...

Setsugetsuka: We what? Okay, my turn to be confused.Oh, I get it. You're one of our fans, aren't you?What an honor.Oh don't tell me. You think she writes that crap herself, you moron?She doesn't even know what she's singing half the time!


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Oh, cut it out. That's making me look just as stupid.

Lucky Angel: ...!

Setsugetsuka: Sorry to burst your bubble, but well... we're idols, right?We use what we can, whenever we can, however we canAnd our worth is measured by how much those poor little fools we call fans danceto our beat.Did any of that get through?I know it must be hard hearing that, since you're soooo filled with the light ofhope...but that's showbiz.

Reika: ...

Tomomi: Reika...

Reika: Oh...I got it alright.

Setsugetsuka: ?

Reika: That's just standard operating procedure, right...It's gotta be hard...

telling us that...

Setsugetsuka: Excuse us?Mind telling us what you mean?

Reika: I'm saying little worms like younever even had a fighting chance!

Setsugetsuka: Reika!I didn't know you were part of the Tougouji Group!If you don't let us even get one performance in somewhere, you know what'll happen to us!We're sorry! We really are!

We'll turn our lives around! Please!

Reika: Shut it.Stop telling me what dreams are.Stop singing your fake love songs.I don't need stupid fakers telling me what it means to be an idol.Everyone looks up to us idols...when we're nothing but false deities.We're going to prove this when we win the Idolmaster Grand Prix.But maybe, just maybe...the kinda of idol I wanted to be...is out there... somewhere...Let's go.

This will be...our last performance.

P: What do you mean...... meet with Chihaya?

Miki: Of course!You two need a nice heart-to-heart!

P: It's too late for anything.


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I can't do anything for her...

Miki: Why're you still saying that?!?Do you even care about her anymore?

12. STAND BY

P: When I was producing her...I couldn't even begin to comprehend what it was that was bothering her.So, I stopped.I'm not as talented as she is, I can't see half the things she can. We're worldsapart...This is what's best for her, alright?There's nothing she can gain from having me follow...

Miki: Producer!

P: ... Miki?

Miki: Stupid head.

P: Wha...?

Miki: You're missing the point.

Producer's head can't even see that, and is made of fail.

P: You're just saying that!What do you know, Miki? You don't know anything!

Miki: I do know everything!I know...because Producer taught me one of the most important lessons in my life!

P: ......

Miki: If you think someone can be so high and mighty,so far-and-away better than everyone else she doesn't need anyone

to even spare a single though for her...Then you're not living in reality!There isn't one person on this planet like that!

P: ...!!

Miki: Okay, so maybe you're down on your luck.Maybe you've made some mistakes. Who cares?!?All you gotta do is be together!Do you have any idea how good that feels?Or how much that can change someone?

P: Miki...

Hah... hah...I never thought I'd be lectured by you...

Miki: Producer?

P: Yeah.You -do- know everything.Why on earth...didn't I realize that sooner?


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Miki: Then, you'll...?

P: I will.I'll talk to her again and...

Kotori: Producer! We have a problem!Chihaya had a recording today, but it doesn't look like she's there...Everyone's looking for her, but...We can't even get a hold of her!

P: !!

Reika: Welcome to Tougouji Productions.Three years ago you debuted...A legendary idol who shook the world with her might, then faded back into the shadows.I'm so glad I caught you walking around that audition a few months ago.So, let me welcome who everyone named the Idol Goddess...Mikokoro Sano.

Mikokoro: You want me to help you out, is that it?

Reika: Just this once.Personally, I'd decribe the pay as... irresistable. Wouldn't you agree?

Mikokoro: You want me to shake hands with the devil just so you can win the Grand Prix?

Reika: ... Is it beyond your kind to figure out why?

Mikokoro: I don't know what you people are thinking...But listening to your music, I think I have an idea.

Rin: Ooooh? You've heard our songs?Whad'ya think? We're pretty good, right?

Mikokoro: How do I put this?

Your music...... is totally depressing!

Maou Angel: ... We're flattered.

Yayoi: Iori, you ready?

Iori: What... may I ask...

Yayoi: Is this?It's a penguin!Cute, huh?

Iori: It's so not!Do we honestly need to be handing out flyers in that getup?!?I know we're desperate for things to do, but I'm not that desperate!We'll never make it to the Grand Prix at this rate.

Yayoi: But we really don't have anything else...

Iori: Sorry about that, Yayoi.I know...


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Yayoi: But never fear!Our producer is still here!He'll find us more stuff than you can shake a tadpole at!

Iori: Yeah, well I'd feel sorry for the tadpole.Okay.Which one's mine?

Yayoi: Iori's suit is...Right here!

Iori: Oh dear...

Makoto: I'm frickin'...FREEZING!Azusa... is it our turn yet...?

Azusa: The part for Pedestrian A and B is still to come. It's the next scene, Ibelieve. We'll just have to be patient.

Makoto: Patient is an understatement. We've been waiting six hours just to deliver a single line each.I even had some hope I could be a real heroine, until recently.

Azusa: Oh but Makoto, I think your longing for those roles may go unanswered.I remember when you played the suave upperclassman once. All the girls were headover heels...

Makoto: Aaagh... how 'bout we never mention that again?...

Azusa: Makoto...Let's do everything we can here.

Makoto: ... Sure thing.

Ami/Mami: Ricchan! What the crap!

We're performing live!But the seats are dead!

Ritsuko: This wasn't the best spot, to be honest.Adding on to that...Tougouji's been sticking their hands in our usual advertisement spotsso it's been tough just getting the word out.

Ami/Mami: What the crap! What the crap!

Ami: Ah, man!Ami can't get excited about anything anymore...Mami, you do this.

Mami: What? That's descriminimitory!

Ritsuko: Hey, no fighting!... But even still...How long will we all last?

Haruka: Kyaaa!

Yukiho: Haruka!


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Are you okay?

Haruka: Eheheh...(Owie)I'm fine, I'm fine...

Yukiho: Okay...Then one more...Kyaaa!

Haruka: Yukiho!

Yukiho: I...I'm fine...We've got to catch up to everyone else. We can't dance that well, you know...

Haruka/P/Someone: If we can't dance with the angels, we just gotta practice 'tilwe can.Still...

Kotori: Other than Chihaya, none of our other units...have even been invited to the preliminaries of the Grand Prix.

P: Thinking about their rank...

It's just unnatural.

Kotori: Unnatural indeed.After everything we've done to get into the Idolmaster Grand Prix...To have things turn out like this...

Kotori/P: ...

Kotori: Producer, is that!

P: Chihaya?Eh...Yabushita?!?

Why the sudden...... okay, just calm down!

Kotori: !?

P: I see.She agreed to go to Tougouji under the conditions that the retirement home be saved...

Yabushita: How can I go on anymore?!?They took... actually took my Mikokoro from me!!!

P: First things first... flip yourself off my back.

Kotori: I didn't think they'd try to get Mikokoro...

P: Me neither, but they're trying to guarantee their victory.That's why they need someone who can actually sing and dance.

Kotori: That seems like something their Producer would think...

P: ...


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Kotori: Producer?

P: Oh, that's it...Yeah.I think I might have hit on something...

Kotori: ...?

Label: Idolmaster Grand Prix. Participation announcement day.

Ritsuko: We never found where Chihaya went off to...

P: Nothing we can do about it.We'll just do what we can.

Ritsuko: As always.

P: Chihaya...

Miki: Producer!

P: Miki!

Miki: I think everyone's all good and stuff.

P: Understood.

Miki: Huhn?Mikokoro!

Mikokoro: Miki!

Miki: Why...is Mikokoro here?

Reika: Miki Hoshii from 765Pro...You don't even have the qualifications to be here.

I think I should be the one asking why you're here.

Miki: Maou Angel... (What were their names again?)-That- is a classified secret!

Reika: ...?Oh, whatever.Let me give you some advice.Someone like you shouldn't ever set foot in here.All of you from 765Pro...aren't meant to be idols.

Miki: ...

Label: Idolmaster Grand Prix. Official Ceremony of Entry.

Reika: We're Maou Angel from Tougouji Productions.In preparation for this event...we've added one more member to our unit.Our new member is Mikokoro Sano.No further changes to our group.

People: Whoa!


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-That- Mikokoro Sano?

Reika: Our unit will then be a quartette...And will enter the Idolmaster Grand Prix as such.

Label: Tougouji Productions. QUARTETTE. Maou Angel ENTRY

Ritsuko: Producer!

P: Yeah. They're doing exactly what we thought they would.Let's thank Yabushita later.

Ritsuko: Well then... I'll be going out there too, but...... You're sure about me?

P: Not a doubt.You're better an idol than anything else.

Ritsuko: Well, then.I suppose I'll just have to respect your opinion...As our premiere producer.

Reika: 765Pro's only got one unit: Chihaya Kisaragi. A solo unit.And right now, she's off and disappeared. Heh heh...

Didn't even have to lift a finger.I guess in the end...I'll never find what I was looking for...

P: Concerning 765Pro's Chihaya Kisaragi...For our participation in the Idolmaster Grand Prix, we have made some changes toour unit.

Reika: !?

P: The solo unit "Chihaya Kisaragi" is hereby disbanded.We will be making a new unit. The unit will consist of Miki Hoshii.

Reika: Insurance in case they couldn't find Chihaya in time for the announcement, I see.It's certainly possible to change members in order to face us, but...

P: Iori MinaseYukiho Hagiwara are further members.

Reika: Wha?

P: Haruka Amami.Azusa Miura.Yayoi Takatsuki.Makoto Kikuchi.

Ami Futami.Ritsuko Akidzuki. All are members.Our unit shall be an all-star unitAnd its name will be changed from Chihaya Kisaragi to Namco Angel.Thus concludes our entry into the Idolmaster Grand Prix.

Tomomi: Wha...

Rin: Whoa... right outta left field!


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Reika: Ha, hah!Ain't this just exciting...

Miki: Everyone!Wish us luck!And stuff!

Reika: Well then...

P: Namco Angel's production...

Reika: Maou Angel's production...

Reika/P: ... will hereby commence!

Chihaya: ...

Label: Idolmaster Grand Prix. Starts in 31 days.

Announcer: The Idolmaster Grand Prix is finally right upon us!Whoever wins this will...

Miki: Now that I think about it...I really only walk this road alone.

Buttoday...

P: Hm?Anything wrong, Miki?

Miki: Nothing!Nothing at all!

P: Gah... hey!

Chihaya: I always knew...there'd be no one but me at my journey's end.

Not even one person...... to hear my voice...

13. relations (First Movement)

Iori: Well...When you get right down to it...This is what you wanted, Miki.Maybe not how you thought you'd get it, but you got it.

Yukiho: Yes...Everyone's togetherin the new Namco Angel.

Iori: What you mean...is that the Producer just threw us all togetherjust so that we'd have a fighting chance at the Grand Prix.(Operation Random, commence.)

Yukiho: I don't...like to think about this too much...But we've been entered into the Grand Prix without Chihaya, haven't we?


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Iori: If we didn't...we'd just be playing Reika's game,right into her hands.

Ami/Mami: Ricchan, check this out!

Mami: This magazines filled with slander about us!

Ritsuko: Yeah, yeah, I know!

Ami: What the crap! What the crap!

Ritsuko: Well, let's see.765Pro's entry into the Idolmaster Grand Prix. A collection of low-rank idols...... the last resort of a failing production studioto replace the one talent they lost?!?Not just this, there've been so many unfounded rumors making it into articles.I'll bet anything this is Tougouji.They're deliberately trying to ruin our image just before the Grand Prix starts!

Azusa: No matter where we go, our bad reputation just keeps growing...

Makoto: It's been rough lately, for our situation...... unnecessarily rough.

Ritsuko: No mistake about it.I mean we're not doing well, sure, but we've been doing worse than we should.

Iori: As much as it pains me to say it...We don't stand a chance at the Grand Prix as we are now.If Chihaya were here with all of usthen I'm sure we could manage...

Yayoi: ...

Haruka: But...

Mikokoro: Reika...Those who win the Grand Prix are Idolmasters.No one doubts this is the highest honor you could ever receive.And yet, I still don't know...What are you planning on doing after you attain it?

Reika: Yeah, well let me think.How about after I become Idolmaster...I tell the world what I've done?I can tell them...exactly all the dirty deeds I've done to claw my way to the top.I think that'll wake everyone up all nice and well, wouldn't you agree?Keep your dreams all you want, they won't do you any good.

Not if you're an idol.

Mikokoro: But...It wasn't always like that for you, was it?

Reika: No, it wasn't.But, I lost it all!Everything I held dear to me was taken from me!This filthy, corrupt, survival-of-the-fittest crap took it away!Aren't you the same as I am?


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You were a top idol! A living legend! And where did you run off to?

Mikokoro: You're missing the point.The place I belong now...has something even a living legend needs.

Maou Angel: ?

Mikokoro: It's something every idol needsand something that can never be taken away from them.It's something we all have.... Even you.

Reika: What...... would that be?

Mikokoro: That...... is a classified secret!

Reika: ......... Not like I care.Our time has come.Everything we've ever wanted...will soon

be brought to a close.

Miki: So... you still haven't found Chihaya?

P: No.It doesn't look like she's said anything to her family, either.

Kotori: Me and the rest of the staff will do what we can about Chihaya...So Producer...Please just concentrate on getting everyone ready for the Grand Prix.

P: Yeah... sure...

Kotori: Huh?I thought it would be here...

Miki: What's wrong?

Kotori: Nothing...I just can't find the spare key for our first office.We haven't been using that place in a while, but...

P: ...!Kotori!

Miki: Producer!

I'll take care of everyone!Producer...You go do what you gotta do!

P: ... I will.See you later!

Miki: ...Alrighty!


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Kotori: Sir... you think Chihaya and the Producer will be alright?

Takagi: Kotori.Whenever he thinks of Chihaya...he thinks he failed her. You've been told this before, I know.He is right.He made a grave mistake. That is certain.And because of this mistakehe severed his relations with Chihaya.However...that isn't the source of his error.Producing an idol...and the bonds you build with her...isn't something so easily destroyed.All you have to do is keep looking to the future.You can fix your mistakes.Production is something that never truly ends.As long as the idoland the producernever, evergive up their dreams!

P: Chihaya!

Chihaya: ...P... Producer...?... You've come to take me back...

P: No.I've come...only to talk.

Chihaya: ?

P: Ever since I became your Producer...I did everything I thought was best for you.Chihaya, I'm sure you did the same for yourself.

We were both inexperienced.But for all the hardship... and all the good times...We both went through a lot together.And eventually...I realized.This girl I was producing...... could grow into something nobody on earth could.And so I left you.And you stopped needing me.

Chihaya: That's...!

P: I thought I wasn't good enough for you.

I thought just being around you was getting in the way of that growth...But... I was just frightened of that sleeping goddess within you.I was afraid that I would destroy her beyond repair.But even that...... is nothing more than an excuse.As a producer, I neglected my duty... and turned away from it.I don't even know how long it's been.But it doesn't matter. I haven't changed.I don't even know what I can do for you, now that I've caught up to you.But Miki...


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... taught me the most important lesson in my life.There's so much I should have done for you.But all I can give you now...... is this.It's really pathetic, isn't it. They call me their most talented producer... butall I can do...... is just stretch out my hand like an idiot.

Chihaya: It's more than enough.This hand...to me...is the only one that can pull me up.I...thought the same as you.I was scared of being hurt...and so I pushed you away.Our last memories together were painful...but we had many enjoyable memories, too.But...Even those painful memories...When you can just talk about them like this...

P: Yeah. Let's not waste this moment.There's a place waiting for us, Chihaya.

For us...For everyone...And for all the time we've spent together!

14. relations (Finale)

Label: Idolmaster Grand Prix ON AIR

Ritsuko: Hey guys!You all set?

Makoto: Kinda, not really?

Azusa: But..

Haruka: I knew it... Chihaya and the Producer...

Yukiho: Miki isn't here either...

Iori: For frick's sake, what are they doing?

Reika: It's futile.

Idols: !!Maou...Angel...

P: Everyone!

Idols: Producer!

Reika: Futile...Useless...Vain...Just walk away now, while you can.None of you are worthy to become the Idolmaster!


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You saw us up there, didn't you?The audience can't tell if they see an imitation or the real thing.They'll yell as loud as they can over the most insignificant crap.Stupid idiots, the lot of them.You can see the end, can't you?It's inevitable.I've broken your image,and I've won over Mikokoro Sano.You don't even have your star performer.This victory is right in my hands.In the end, even the Idolmaster Grand Prix...can be won by an unfair mockery of the business.So, maybe you can tell me.What is an idol?What is an idolmaster?An idol...is a hideous monster made of lies.Without meaning...Without purpose...As long as we keep holding on to our ideal world...we lose everything we have!It's always been like this.You and me...... we've all been looking for something that doesn't exist.

Iori: Reika...!

Miki: That...... is dead wrong.All our fans give us their support.All our fans give us their hearts.And that's what makes us unstoppable.

P: Miki...

Miki: Producer...Please see for yourself.

Miki and everyone... have changed!

P: ... That's right!

Chihaya: DespairDeceitHardship and sadnessWe indeed see it all.However...No matter where you find yourself,you'll find you aren't alone in knowing any of these.

Reika: Chihaya...Kisaragi!

Chihaya: So let us show youthe strength it gives us.Just listenTo our music!

Reika: ...!


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Miki: This next song...is something that Miki named after what she believes is most important to her.It represents the hard work that everyone from 765Pro has done together...and it represents what we share with everyone of you fans that have supported us.All that and more...relations

Rin: Why...Why are those guys...... shining?How are they...... making the stage...that... brilliant?

Tomomi: Reika...

Reika: This is it...This is what we've all wanted to see...

Mikokoro: You notice yet?Why do you think...they're shining brighter than any star in the sky?What do you think they have that makes them that way?

This is the one thing every idol needs.A stage surrounded by fans.People who support you and care for you.Just having that makes you an idol.Well, it's about that time.I'll be taking off now.Oh, yeah. By the way.I listened to your really old stuff too.And I...didn't think it was too bad.

Reika: ...!

Iori: Reika...You...gonna keep this up?

Reika: ...Of course we will! Next time, we'll get you!We're gonna be the best!Maybe next time...You'll get to hear what our music's really like!

Iori: ... I'll be waiting.

Miki: Whee-hew!

All done!Hey, Producer.We've sure went through a lot to get here.

P: Yes, we have.

Miki: You know, the day Miki first became an idol, she was walking down this road too!She couldn't've cared less at the time.But that Miki's gone all the way to the top.


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Pretty cool, huh?And the reason Miki could do this...was all because Producer showed me the way!

P: That's not entirely true.

Miki: Huh?

P: We both were shown our path.Miki, you've opened my eyes to a lot of things.Without you, Miki...My past mistakes would have remained just that.And I'd still wouldn't have learned a thing from it.Just by being with you, Miki...Everyone at 765Pro's grown.

Miki: You think?Well, maybe we have.Hey, Producer!

P: Yeah?

Miki: How about...we give our relation

an official name?

P: ... A what?I don't see the point...

Miki: Well, you see...Our relation, you know, Miki and the Producer...could be...... bo... girl...

Haruka: Producer!

P: Oh hey, Haruka! Oh, everyone's here too!

Hey!Huh? Miki? Something wrong?

Miki: Nothing... and everything...

P: Yabushita.I still remember your question.

Yabushita: Oh?

P: What does the word Idolmaster mean to us?

Yabushita: Oh, that. And your answer?

P: I still...can't quite put my finger on it.But I get the feelingI'm starting to get closer to what it means to me.Miki, what do you think?

Miki: Who, me?Hmm...Miki doesn't really get it...


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But I think the one who might...... is Haruka.

Haruka: What?!?Me?!?Why's that?

Miki: When I think about the lessons we've all been going through...You were at it harder than anyone.... Of course, that's it.You still couldn't dance if your life depended on it.

Haruka: Hey!

Miki: But...I think we all kept at it because you kept at it.When everyone was dead tired...Down on their luck and just depressed out of their mind...You would always raise your voiceand rise up against the pressure.For all the failures and mistakes we've made,I don't think there's anyone out there...who didn't wish they could stand back up like that.So!

It's not just about looks!Or how well you sing!Or whether or not you can dance!There's more to it than that!It's all about being positive!Doing what you've dreamed of, and telling the world they can too!That is what Miki believes an Idolmaster is!Alrighty then, Producer! It's gonna be rough from now on!You got me and everybody in Namco Angel.And now you gotta produce us all!

P: Dang it...But...

I'll do it.Be positive, right?

Miki: Yup! Producer's an Idolmaster too!

P: Hah, hah... (Pretty quick, handing that title out...)Okay then.Can I trust you guys to stay with me no matter what happens?

Miki: Oh man... I dunno...

Chihaya: Without question.

Miki: !Producer! Miki too! Miki too!... I'm not giving him up.

Chihaya: ... I won't make it easy.

P: ...?Umm... Am I missing something?

Miki: I wonder...?


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Chihaya: N... no! Nothing at all!

P: ...?......

Narration: Awakened within her were uncountable possibilitiesThe ones staring at a far away dreamwere changed by a fateful encounter, and the memories it created

Miki: Producer!

Narration: And their legend will live onTomorrow and forever

THE iDOLM@STER relations (2)Fin

XX. Extra Inning

Narration: On 4 November, 2007, at O-EAST in Shibuya, Tokyo...I went with the journalist known only as T, on a journey to the Idolmaster Livefor his article!

Animal thing: I'm in charge!

Yumehito: I'm writing.

Narration: No one even batted an eyelash when Kotori showed up to start things up, since she normally does it...(Official Kotori melts my heart!)

Kotori: Wha... me too?

Narration: But then the Dance DJ popped in...... and welcomed Takita out to the stage!So with 8 + 1 Idols assembled...

The curtain opened! Go To The NEXT STAGE!! THE IDOLM@STER GREAT PARTY!

Bottom: Go to the NEXT STAGE!! THE IDOLM@STER GREAT PARTY Live Report!

Narration: First, it was Q&A with a real producer, SakagamiP!

Imai: When're you going to release L4U!?Oh come on!

Sakagami: Pass.Sorry pass.

Narration: Any question that was tough to answer... he just pleaded the fifth.

The drama part had each and every idol undergo some sort of image change, like they were entirely new characters.

Imai: How do you like -this-?Producer!!

Narration: Imai played a Chihaya that was mechanized! ... And actually had dimensions to speak about. She rocked us like a hurricane.Afterwards, Nigo came out to arm wrestle! It was entirety of 765Pro against Macho-Muscle Nigo! (They call her something like that on the radio, right?) [TL: Mac


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chochon is the nickname. Look it up, or better yet, don't. The explanation has been known to cause the most manly of men to wimper in a corner.]

Shimoda: Let's do it, Juri of Fortune!

Narration: I don't know what was going through Shimoda's mind when she said that, but she was pumped.Nigo didn't even try though. With the most disinterested look on her face, she slaughtered them all in no time flat.

Nigo: Well...You guys did great. Really you did.

Narration: For act two, we had a karaoke face-off! Jumping into the fray were...(It's the ever-awesome Hirata with her first solo! Is she nervous?)

Yayoi: Uuu-uuuu!(That's all for Kirame Kirari!)

Narration: Hasegawa graced our ears with a song off the Master Artist albums! Cute beyond belief!To top things off, they sang a medley of other Master Artist songs, never beforeheard! Everyone's Tension went through the roof!And finally... they sang I Want.

All at once from nowhere, everyone just started calling for their Once and Future Queen. Nakamura ascended into royalty for this one.

Audience: (Queen! Empress! Your Highness!)

Nakamura: (Looks quite pleased.)

Narration: In addition to the prize raffling during Act 3, everyone got togetherto celebrate Wakabayashi's birthday!To celebrate, we all burst out in song and cake!The last number was i, in an all-idol chorus.Takita was moved to tears with all the fans crying her name.And who'd've thunk? Takahashi popped in on us, marathoning from Osaka just to si

ng with us!

Takahashi: Uhh, what? Song's over?

Narration: And to end everything in style, we all know what has to be said.

Nakamura: Producer!It's the dome! The dome!

Narration: It looks like Imas is gonna be going to the Next Stage for a while tocome! (And I'll keep doing my best in my little corner of the world, here.)

The End

POSTSCRIPT

What'd ya all think? Idolmaster relations has ended its own tale (in its own way), but Miki and everyone else at 765Pro still have a lot of places to go. It's what they say, Let's meet again on the next brilliant stage!

Alright everyone, all together now: Juicy Party Bye!This is Yumehito Ueda, signing out!


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Producer Yumehito Ueda

[yumehito ueda] the idolmaster relations - volume 29

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