[Fade in/out.]

Thanks for coming to help, everyone.

Oh, please. The info session is for the volunteers who signed up to support us, right? Put us to work helping too!

Exactly. Now's the time for us to pool our resources and work together.

Yeah, we want to make our dreams come true together. It won't be worth it unless we all do it as a group.

You're right. This wasn't just Nijigasaki's problem to deal with alone. Sorry about that.

Oh, come on. There's nothing to apologize for.

I agree. We're just as excited as you to meet everyone who agreed to volunteer.

All right, what should we discuss first?

There's a lot to dive into, but let's start with the info packets. I've already written up the text.

So we need to staple 1,000 copies of info packets.

Making up packets can actually be pretty intensive work.

I thought of a good idea! Let's have a competition to see who can put together the most packets! If we're all racing to be first, we'll be done in a flash!

A competition? Hmm… Yeah, I would hate to lose.

I'm not gonna lose either!

Settle down, all of you. We need to consider how we can make them the most efficiently.

You may have a point, but I definitely feel the most excited about a competition. You're all going down!

Shouldn't we make this a bit more interesting? Let's add a prize or a punishment for losing!

If the prize was something from the Nijigasaki cafeteria, I'd work really hard. That pork cutlet rice bowl looks so good.

I'd want the dessert plate, zura!

I could never allow myself to lose if we were fighting over Nijigasaki's famous rice bowls!

That's the spirit, guys! I'm really feeling your hunger! To get everyone's motivation and efficiency up, I think we have to add a prize to our competition!

I think it's wonderful that everyone's so excited, but…at least let us do the photocopying properly!

I agree. Once the copies are made, let's divide them up evenly and then race to see who can finish their pile first. I guess I've gotten into the competitive spirit too!

Well, if you're all doing it, I'm not losing out!

We're not going to punish the losers, right?

Punish… Oh, what a lovely ring that has to it. Do not speak to me of competitions unless there is punishment. Yes, and by punishment I mean–

Yoshiko, what do you want to eat from the cafeteria?

What? Me? Oh… The thick toast in the B meal combo looks good… And hey, call me Yohane, not Yoshiko!

No need to worry, Kotori. I'm pretty sure all this talk of prizes has made everyone forget all about punishments.

Do you really think so?

I was feeling nervous about the idea of a punishment too. If there isn't one, I can do my Rubesty at my own pace!

Kotori, Ruby, don't give up before it's even started! Please show us those same strong emotions you have during your regular school idol activities!

Uwahhh?!

Don't worry. Umi isn't saying that you have to win. But it's good to be ambitious, right?

Right! Setsuna, I'm so glad you understand!

Of course I do, Umi! I think it's very important to be ambitious!

Ooh, I didn't expect these two to be so similar.

Okay, guys! Once we're done printing out copies, let the packet making competition begin! You're all on!

[Fade in/out.]

Oh no, I'm late! I'd better hurry!

Oh, Shioriko?

Hello. How are the preparations coming for the volunteer info session?

Right on track. We're finishing everything up today. Are you at school to do student council work? That's rough, working on a Saturday.

What? Oh, um, of course I'm here on student council business. Er, I hope tomorrow's info session…goes well.

Thanks, I'm sure it will. We're all working hard to make that happen.

Even so, it may not… No, I won't rain on your parade. I'll be there tomorrow as student council president.

For sure! Good luck with your work too, Shioriko.

Yes, thank you.

…

[Fade in/out.]

Listen! We finished placing the info packets on all the seats. Phew… A thousand packets sure is a lot. But I think I placed the most.

Kasumi, you were too slow during the last part. I'm pretty sure I placed the most packets on seats. Rina-chan Board says, “Serious!”

What? No way!

*Laugh* Good job, Kasumi and Rina. I've put some drinks out over there, so go take a break.

Hey, I borrowed a projector for the slide presentation! Should I SLIDE it on over here?

*Chuckle* That's perfect! And great pun, too!

I'm on fire today!

Everyone's gonna take off their shoes before entering the school auditorium and be in just their socks, right? Shouldn't we provide slippers?

Oh, you're right. We'll have to borrow some from the teachers' lounge.

In that case, let me go ask! I'll bring them back.

Chika, you've got so much energy. I'm already exhausted from all that competing over stapling and placing packets.

Yeah, I'm still all ready to go!

Please come look at our registration table.

Okay, I'll be right there. Ayumu, could you come with me?

Sure!

Hey…

Yeah?

It's finally tomorrow, huh. I ran into Shioriko on my way to the clubroom. She said she hopes everything goes well.

She did? Aww, that's so nice. She's pretty strict, but she really does care about us.

(After tomorrow's info session, it's just a straight shot all the way to the School Idol Festival… Everyone's getting fired up about it. I've gotta get psyched up too!)