Author's Note

This chapter was meant to be a bit different. I decided to slot in Kanade's part for better flow with the last chapter. It also let me introduce my support characters. Which I had been eager to write for a while. I know I said I won't be able to update every 4 or 5 days anymore but... maybe I can. We'll see.

The song this time is Love Summer by Fuchigami Mai

If anyone is wondering if there will be an idol of Spring, Autumn, and winter. The answer is yes there is. Though those will have to wait a bit longer.

Chapter 33: Kanade's Struggle, Idol of Summer!

In the cafeteria, Kanade is alone with Hibiki.

Hibiki "Kanade, I know it's a shock but you know what we have to do, right?"

Kanade simply eats her food.

Hibiki gives up "Ahh… This isn't good. Wait… Kanade! It's almost time for your photoshoot!"

Kanade "Eh? Ah, I need to go. Thanks, Hibiki."

After Kanade leaves, Ellen sees Kanade's lifeless face from a distance and gets worried. After thinking about what she can do for a bit, Ellen walks over to Hibiki.

Ellen asks "You think Kanade will be okay?"

Hibiki shakes her head "I'm sure Kanade will be okay. She knows what she should do."

Ellen looks at Hibiki surprised "Hibiki, you…"

Hibiki then says "Well, not like I know what she should do. So I'll just wait until Kanade comes back."

Hibiki then takes a bit bite into her shortcake.

Ellen smiles "Hibiki, that's just irresponsible. You are supposed to be her best friend, right?"

Hibiki stops eating and the cake drops from her fork "El… Ellen, you are being scary right now."

Ellen "Eh? Ah, sorry. I was trying to get used to a character I'll be playing as. Sorry, I didn't mean to."

Hibiki leans back and starting talking while leaning back forward after a bit "Haaa… That's amazing, but I just believe Kanade will be able to pull through one way or another."

Ellen "I believe Kanade can pull through as well but... "

Hibiki shoves a piece of her cake into her mouth "But there is nothing we can do. This is between Suzu and Kanade."

Ellen swallows and says "That's true but there are a few things about Suzu that had been bothering me."

Hibiki finishes her cake and asks "What is it?"

Ellen "Since Suzu hasn't shown up recently, there is a rumor that Yume left because of Suzu. The rumor started from nowhere. However, some students don't want to believe it since Suzu's idol knowledge is really high."

Hibiki "isn't that normal? Suzu was helping Kanade. She got to know a lot to be able to help someone with everything."

Ako then sits down next to Hibiki with a tray of food "That's what is weird. Suzu isn't an idol from the ABC. Why does she know so much about idol? Knowing that much on Aikatsu is not what our enemy is aiming for."

Hibiki questions "But they took Yume."

Ellen "Perhaps it's not they don't like idols. Being efficient and hating idols is different."

Ako nods "They probably only want the best idol to exist."

Ellen "In other words, Yume. And in order for them to get close to her, they need someone who knows a lot about idols. Suzu must have studied to become the spy."

Hibiki "Hmm, something feels off."

Ellen and Ako "Eh?"

Ako asks "Feels off?"

Hibiki nods "Yes. I don't know why but something tells me she knows about idols and Aikatsu without studying."

Ellen "If that's the case, then…"

Hibiki then stands up "Okay, this ends here. All of this doesn't matter. What really matters is what will happen between Kanade and Suzu. I want to do something but… this is between them."

Ellen then remembers when Hibiki and Kanade had a fight and ends up distant with each other.

Ellen nods "Alright, this is similar, isn't it? Then I'll believe in the friendship between Kanade and Suzu."

Ako questions "Similar to what?"

Ellen "Ah, I'll tell you about it…"

Ellen starts explaining the incident of Hibiki and Kanade's promise. It is the one they promise to meet on the day of the opening ceremony during their first year. Hibiki occasionally adds some detail from time to time.

In a photographic studio, Kanade is dressed up and having pictures taken by the staff.

Cameraman grumbles "Hmm… Kanade, your smile is really stiff."

Kanade apologizes "Sorry…"

He scratches his head and calls for a break "Alright, Kanade, let's take a 15-minute break. Go take a walk and maybe you'll feel better."

Kanade "Yes…"

She then walks out of the booth they were using and wonders around. Not long after, she bumps into someone.

Kanade and a woman "Ah!"

The woman asks "Are you okay? Sorry, I can be a bit clumsy at times."

Kanade looks at the woman. She looks young but has a mature adult feeling.

Kanade bows and apologize "Sorry, it's my fault. I was thinking about something."

The woman looks at Kanade for a moment and asks "Do you want to talk about it?"

Kanade "Eh? I…"

She cuts off Kanade and explains "Sometimes, there are things you won't want to talk about with your friends. Especially when you know what kind of answer they will give you. However, if it is a stranger…"

Kanade nods "Okay, thanks."

The woman introduces herself "Ah, I'm Shinohara Kari. Feel free to call me Kari."

Kanade bows "I'm Minamono Kanade. Just Kanade is okay."

Kari "Alright, then let me hear what happened."

The two of them find a bench and sit down to have a talk.

Kanade explains "I kind of got into a fight with a friend. She had a certain goal in mind and she achieved it a while ago. However, that goal is not a good one. Then last week, she suddenly left and saying if I were to stop her, she'll fight back."

Kari "Hmm, I can't help but feel like there is something more."

Kanade "Eh?"

Kari "Is that goal something she wanted herself? Since she went out of her way to tell you that before she leaves, maybe she doesn't want to leave. Instead, something might be forcing her to do that."

Kanade "But even so… What can I do?"

Kari thinks for a bit "You are an idol, right? Then there is only one thing to do."

Kanade "Stage, but I'm not sure if I can do it."

As Kari is thinking about how to give Kanade confidence, a staff comes over.

Staff "Kanade, it's time to go back. Eh? You, you are Kari!"

Kari puts her hand above her head and goes from a fist to open palm "Yep, the summer idol Kari!"

Kanade "Summer idol?"

The staff explains "Yeah, Kari is the idol of summer. Her bright and exciting performance is like experiencing a summer vacation. Not to mention she is your great senpai and was part of the S4."

Kari "Bright and exciting, hahaha. I am just trying to have fun for the most part. Though Kanade goes to Four Star Academy… Ah!"

Kari turns to Kanade and she is surprised by the sudden shout "Wha… what is it?"

Kari grinds "I just thought of what I'm going to do. Ah, do you have the headmaster's contact? I heard the headmaster is now another person."

Kanade nods "Yes, here…"

Kanade shows Moroboshi's number and kari immediately calls him "Hello~ Sorry for the sudden call but this Shinohara Kari."

Moroboshi "Shinohara Kari, if I remember correctly, you are part of the 10th and 11th generation S4. This is quite sudden but do you need something?"

Kari "Let me use the school stage."

Moroboshi "What? Are you saying you are going back being an idol?"

Kari "Ah no, I… No, I just thought since we'll be showing up soon, I could also perform. It has been a while but it should be fun."

Moroboshi "Hold on, what exactly are you, no you girls trying to do?"

Kari "You should get a message from Audrey soon, either way, can I perform?"

Moroboshi "Of course, it should be a great experience for the students."

Kari "Alright, then please have it ready by 5 pm. I'll head over as soon as my next job is done, bye."

Kanade "Uhmm, isn't that a bit too forceful?"

Kari "it's okay it's okay, I don't think that much is a problem. Either way, make sure to come."

Kanade nods "Yes!"

Kari turns around and walks away.

The staff "That Kari, she hasn't changed at all."

Kanade "Uhmm, sorry for taking so long but we should head back, right?"

He looks at Kanade "Ahh! That's right, let's go!"

The two of them run back but still, they get a lecture from the cameraman. Afterward, Kanade manages to proceed with her photoshoot after a few retake from time to time.

As Kanade finishes up, she sighs and mutters "Even after that, I still had trouble. Just what am I doing?"

As Kanade complaining to herself, her phone rings.

She picks it up "Hello? This is Kanade."

On the other side, Mahiru speaks "Kanade? This is Mahiru. You saw the news for Kari's return live performance? I know you are having a hard time since Suzu disappeared but I think it'll help you if you go."

Kanade "Yes, I plan on going. I had run into Kari here at the studio and she invited me to go."

Mahiru "I see, what kind of person is she?"

Kanade thinks for a moment "She looks calm but if something interests her, she immediately goes for it. A little bit like Yuzu?"

Mahiru makes a dry laugh "Haha, at least she sounds like she is a bit easier to deal with. Either way, I'll be looking forward to her stage. After all, she is the top idol for the 10th and 11th generation S4 from the Moon Beauty Class."

Kanade "Moon Beauty Class? I thought she is from another class."

Mahiru "Yep, that's why it's even more interesting to learn how she became the top of the class. Let's meet up in front of the concert hall."

Kanade "Okay, then I'll see you there. See you later."

Mahiru "See you later."

Before the live starts, Kanade is with Mahiru and Koharu.

Kanade "Koharu, you are here too."

Koharu "Of course! I heard about Kari was a member of the S4, I just have to come."

Mahiru "Right? We got to thank Kanade for this."

Kanade "Eh? I didn't do anything. Kari just suddenly wants to do a live here."

Mahiru "But it's because you run into her. Not to mention, she basically is doing this for you."

Koharu "Reall? Kanade is amazing."

Kanade "I…"

Before Kanade can say anything, they notice some students begin a nice little gossip.

Girl A "It's the three of them!"

Girl B "Right? I told you they'd be here."

Girl A "Yes, it's so nice to see them this close."

Kanade questions "Are they… talking about us?"

Koharu "Yes, Kanade, you are more popular than you think."

Mahiru nods "Yes, not to mention all three of us have a different style."

Kanade "I feel like I still have a long way to go."

Mahiru "That's not true, you are almost at the level where you can compete against us. You just need to find a brand that's for you."

Kanade "A brand, but there hasn't been any brand that makes me really want to wear."

Koharu "It's okay, you'll find it. If you can't find it, you can always try to start your own. It won't be easy but it's worth a try."

Kanade nods and the Aikatsu system starts up. Kari walks onto the stage. Kari is wearing an orange and white one piece dress with open shoulder as well as a wide skirt. Her shoes are a matching color of a sandal heel. The only accessory is a pair of silver earrings.

Kanade "That dress…"

Koharu "Did that catch your fancy? It's a simple design but it captures her image really well."

Mahiru "You two, it's starting."

As Mahiru says that, the music begins to play. After a while, Kari starts to sing while radiating her aura.

Kari "Shout Out, Love Summer! wow wow…oh! wow…oh! love sunshine!"

Kari dances around and makes a few poses that bring out the charm of her dress and herself.

Kari then continues "It always rains on the important days, But today is different. It's okay to miss a few things now and then. Looking forward to the exciting weathercast. With Tequila in one hand, Sunrise! Like orange juice. Pretend you're foolish, why not tripping up with it?"

While singing, her posing does not stop while combining her dances.

Kari "On the other side of the sun, I have no idea what's out there. Though it doesn't matter, Yeah!"

Kari points her finger outward and it flashes with a halo around it.

After a small appeal, Kari continues "Shout Out! Splashing and scatters, wet under the rainbow. I don't have time to yawn, Yes! Tomorrow and the day after that. It's going to be a depressing day. Forget it, for once in your life, let's dance. There's Utopia."

Kari starts her special appeal. She suddenly falls into a body of water and quickly swims up. As she surfaces, she jumps out of the water and strikes a welcoming pose. Her surrounding is a beach with a vacation house. Her performance continues a little longer and ends with everyone cheering loudly.

Mahiru "Kari's stage, I never through you can use the runway like that. It's completely out of the standard."

Koharu "It's amazing isn't it? I'm shocked as well."

Mahiru looks at Koharu and Kanade "Let's try it! I'm sure we can become much better if we include some of her stage ideas."

Kanade looks down and thinks for a moment before facing Mahiru "Sorry, but I want to talk to her first. I'll see you two later!"

Kanade runs off with Mahiru and Koharu watching her leave.

After Kanade left, Koharu mutters "You found it, the brand and the idol you want to be. Good luck, Kanade."

As Kanade walking running down the hall towards Kari's room, she runs into Suzu. After Kanade takes a closer look, Yume and Mutsu are there as well.

Suzu looks at Kanade "Fast, the Negastar didn't even do anything yet."

Kanade looks at the Negastar that stands behind her "Who… Who did you turn into a Negastar?"

Yume answers "It's it obvious?"

Yume then shows Kanade some cards. Kanade looks at it and it is the dress Kari was wearing. Kanade then prepare herself.

Yume then asks "You were quite excited, did you want something from kari? Or..."

Yume looks at the dress and tosses it at Kanade "You wanted that dress."

Kanade catches it and looks at it closely.

Kanade then stares at Yume with anger "Stop, Kari didn't deserve it. No idol deserves to be turned into a Negastar or Negadol!"

Yume looks at Kanade "Well, whatever you do, it's too late."

As Yume is about to attack the Negastar, Kanade quickly transforms into Cure Rhythm.

Rhythm "Precure, Music Rondo!"

Mutsu and Suzu stand in front and block the attack as it explodes. Rhythm uses the explosion from it and dashes through them. She then follows up with a kick at Yume as Yume transforms into Cure Shine. Shine follows up with a kick herself. Shine's kick overwhelms Rhythm, but as if rhythm wanted it to happen. She uses Shine's power to spin the other way and kicks the Negastar. The Negastar fly out of a door and exit the building.

Shine "You…"

Rhythm "I won't let everything go your way!"