Media

Character Story 4: Magic of a Smile


Translated by NONSTOPMOP

Translation notes

[1] Just like in the event stories, Uzuki's name in the "real world" is written with the proper kanji (卯月) instead of just katakana (ウヅキ), emphasizing the idea that this is the "real" her from IM@S.

Yuuki and the New Generations continue to stay in this village. On a walk during a break from a lesson...

Uzuki
Ah, hello. Are you here to take a break too? The wind feels nice from under the tree's shade doesn't it?

Uzuki
A lot's been happening so there hasn't been much time for it, but every once in a while, it's nice to just relax.

Uzuki
But it feels like I'm getting direct sunlight from here... Eh, are you shining!? Are you okay!? Did someone cast some magic on you... kya!

Yuuki's on a walk during a day off. Without any particular goals, he wanders around when --

Uzuki
Hmm? Hello! You're on a walk too? [1]

Uzuki
I've finally gotten some time off, so I decided to do some sightseeing around this area.

Yuuki
1. "I can show you around if you want?"

Uzuki
Really? Thank you very much! I'm still not used to Tsubakigaoka yet, so I'll take you up on that offer!

Uzuki
Hmm? It seems like something's going on over there. It says, "Amateurs welcome! Open Idol Audition!"

Uzuki
Wow, this looks interesting. Wanna take a look?

Man
You there! Are you interested in the event!?

Uzuki
Eep! You surprised me... Um, who are you...?

Man
Aah, excuse me. I'm the event organizer, and an idol producer. Now, here's my card.

Uzuki
Th-Thank you for the very kind introduction... Do you have any business with me?

Man
It's simple. At just a glance, I could tell! You have the super aura of an idol!

Man
By all means, could you participate in this event!? I have no doubt that you have the qualities an idol needs to win!

Uzuki
I'm happy to hear that, but something like this is...

Man
Please!! Won't this change your mind!?

Uzuki
U-Um, please don't kneel down on the ground like that! Oh, dear!

Man
I won't raise my head until I hear a yes!! I beg of you!!

Uzuki
Ummm... what should I do...?

Yuuki
1. "Honestly tell him why you can't accept."

Uzuki
Right... ...The truth is, I'm already working as an idol at another agency. So I'm really sorry, but...

Man
Eeeh, no way! Th-Then, what if you just participate!? Don't worry about the audition and just take part to liven things up!? Well? How about it!? I'll kneel down again if I have to --

Uzuki
N-No, you don't have to do that! ... Okay, I'll participate. Nothing more than to liven things up, okay?

Man
Yes! Thank you very much! It's an event for groups of two, please, both of you come!

Uzuki
An audition performed by two people? I wonder if that means we'll need to appeal as a unit...?

Host Woman
Now then, next is the people for entry number 10! Is the person in charge of the treadmill ready?

Host Woman
If he doesn't keep running, the music won't keep playing, nor will the spotlight shine! Now make sure to give it your all!

Uzuki
This sort of feels like some sort of variety show... Um, are you okay running for a whole song?

Yuuki
1. "I'll try to do what I can..."

Uzuki
Sounds like you're prepared... Okay, I'll return the effort by working just as hard!

Host Woman
It sounds like you're ready. Now then runner, start running!

Host Woman
... Okay, the spotllight's on! Once you introduce yourself, the music will start!

Uzuki
Entry number 10, Shimamura Uzuki! Everyone, pleased to meet you!

Audience Member 1
Whoa! This girl's really good at projecting her voice!

Audience Member 2
The uniform means she's a high schooler? But what school is that?

Man
It's as I thought... As I thought she really does have the qualities of a wonderful idol...!

Man
It really was worth it doing what I did to have you participate. I got to see a great performance today.

Uzuki
Oh no, someone like me still has a ways to go... But I'm happy to hear you say that.

Man
The winner of the audition went to another participant, but how about it? If you're okay with it, how about you debut through my agency!?

Uzuki
Eeeh!? But didn't you say I'd be excluded from consideration!?

Man
You were excluded! But let's just forget about the auditions and have you debut! I beg of you! I BEG of you!!

Uzuki
I-I'm sorry! There's already someone I've decided on in my heart, so I just can't accept your invitation!

Man
... Heh, I guess there's nothing I can do about it if you're rejecting me upfront like this. Alright, it's really a shame, but I suppose I'll give up. Boo hoo...

Uzuki
Whew... it's good I was able to refuse him. I got a little flustered and my words came out a bit weird though...

Yuuki
1. "The person you've decided on in your heart is your producer?"

Uzuki
Yes, that's right. Up until now, and even from here on out, I've decided that I would do my best together with my producer. I can't imagine doing that with anyone else.

Uzuki
Ehehe... Make sure you keep this a secret from Rin and Mio, alright? If my producer heard me say this, it'd be really embarrassing.

End of dream.

Ames
Okay, good work. "How was it..." ... is I guess not the best thing to be asking here. What's up with this one?

Ames
It seems like this is a situation where a bunch of information here and there is all jumbled up. I wonder if it could be because they're an existence from the "outside?"

Ames
I'm not sure if this dream even really happened over there. Really, I've got no idea which parts are or aren't the irregular ones at this point.

End of Ames conversation.

Uzuki
...Huh? Were we asleep just now...? I know it felt good under the tree's shade, but for us to have slept this long...

Uzuki
And, I saw a strange dream. It was a dream where I was part of an idol audition and standing up in front of a bunch of people. There, with a full smile on my face, I performed...

Uzuki
Could I have been unconsciously thinking about how I wanted to become an idol who could act like that?

Yuuki
1. "I think you can become that kind of idol."

Uzuki
Ehehe, thank you very much!

Uzuki
I'll work hard so I'll be able to put up a wonderful peformance, one that's even better than the one from my dream!

Seeing Uzuki's smile, Yuuki was sure that she would become a wonderful idol.