One, two, three, four. Kasumi, you're falling behind.

R-Right!

One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four.

I-I'm getting a cramp in my leg…

And that's a wrap! Take five, everyone. Make sure you stay hydrated.

W-We finally get a break. Is it just me, or is practice way harder than usual today?

Yeah, it's pretty tough. Phew… I'm sure she's just fired up because the festival is starting to take shape. We need to pick up the pace and keep up with practice.

W-Well, it might be tough for you, but not for me! What kind of top school idol would give up after a harder training regimen? I'll be fine after a break!

I never should have doubted you! You're such a beefcake, Kasumi!

Emma, I don't think there are many girls who would appreciate being called a beefcake…

Hey, we might not be beefy, but we've got a lot more endurance now than we did before. And how do you think we got there? By raising the steaks, of course!

But we have to keep that momentum going every single day. I'm gonna work even harder. Rina-chan Board says, “Powering up!”

That's the spirit. Putting in the effort is the first step toward realizing your goals.

You think if we keep it up, we'll be more like μ's or Aqours?

C'mon, what are you talking about, Kanata? We're going to be on the same stage as them. We HAVE to be as good or better!

Everyone here has their own unique charm that can't be matched by anyone.

Our own unique charm… I see. You are absolutely right!

We've already got the charm, so all we've gotta do is build from there!

You're so right, Kasumi! We'll never make our dreams come true unless we believe in ourselves!

*Chuckle* You're so dependable, Shizuku!

This isn't just for us. It's for our dreams! We have to work even harder!

Oh, speaking of dreams. I heard our new student council president, Shioriko Mifune, isn't doing so great with her council duties lately.

Ah, yeah. I heard that too.

Huh? Really?

Is she running into some problems or something?

Apparently, all those students who changed clubs or switched from being players to managers wound up changing their minds 'cause they wanted to chase their dreams instead.

Well, of course they did. The whole reason people join clubs is because they want to. I doubt most people would quit just because someone said they weren't any good at it.

Exactly. You can't give up on the things you love. I wouldn't listen to anyone saying I had to throw away my body pillow just 'cause it's all lumpy!

I'm not quite sure that is the best example, Kanata.

Anyway, I totally agree with you guys, but apparently, she's going around trying to convince everyone to switch back 'cause it's what's best for their future.

And that's the cause of the backlash?

You got it. A friend of mine was like, I totally appreciate the input, but she's being super pushy about it.

One of my classmates was sayin' she was kinda creeped out 'cause it felt like Mifune was watching them to make sure they were doing what she wanted.

So basically, Mifune Inc. ain't lookin' so hot.

That explains why she hasn't been showing up around here lately.

I thought she might have something to say to us again, but it seems she's in no position to do so right now…

Mifune is trying her very best, though…

Huh? Wait, are you sympathizing with her, Setsuna?

After all she did to us, how could you possibly find it in you to feel bad for her?

It's not sympathy. I just understand her all too well as her opponent during the election. Mifune has so much talent and passion. I want that to be recognized.

She might be passionate, but she stole the presidency from you, Setsuna. Just because you work your hardest doesn't mean you're going to reap the rewards, you know.

I know that, but…

Are you worried about her?

Yes. I am concerned.

You're so kind, Setsuna.

That's not what it is… I just know what it's like to work hard and have nothing come of it.

I know I may be repeating myself, but I really do think that Mifune has the makings of an excellent student council president.

It just goes to show how difficult being a student council president must be if Mifune of all people is struggling with it…

It's just proof that no matter how capable you might be, you can't control people's hearts!

I really do believe that Mifune has their best interests in mind when she offers people advice. She is not merely forcing her ideas upon them for no reason.

While she may work in a completely different way to us, Mifune is trying to help others realize their dreams in her own way.

Maybe she's just trying to create the perfect environment to make that happen?

You might be right… At the very least, she was always thinking of others during the election, and that's what drove her actions.

That's why she went out of her way to propose a special election and become student council president. And now, she's still doing her very best.

I want to support people who strive to do their best. I want their efforts to be recognized!

Yeah, I want to support Mifune too.

Now I kinda feel that way as well.

Me too.

You're all so nice. Well, I suppose I also want people's hard work to be recognized. Otherwise, there's no point in having hopes or dreams.

I don't really like Shioriko Mifune…

But it's the duty of a school idol to support anyone who does their best!

Maybe it'd be a good idea to have Mifune listen to the song that Riko's writing.

Is there anything we can do? I want to help Mifune out somehow.

I mean, sure, but I'm still having a hard time dealing with how she only treats us school idols poorly.