Nice work, everyone!
Our meeting for that show went pretty well. It's really going to be our first time appearing as regulars.

Yeah!
But I was sooo nervous the whole time!

You're always nervous, but today was on a different level. You were as stiff as a robot before we'd even entered the building...

The gate at the entrance even closed on you. But I guess it is like you to mix up your entry ID with your commuter pass...

Still, I'm glad that you were able to get in after realizing what you'd done.

I-I'm so sorry about what happened back there!

Hehe. I know you were nervous, but I'm really glad that our meeting went as well as it did...

Yeah, everything went perfectly!
And it was so easy to talk about stuff since we'd worked with the director before on a different show.

The producer we got to meet for the first time also seemed like a very nice person.

Yeah. They even took the time to ask us all about what kind of message we were hoping to send.

I know this was just a chance for us to meet everyone, but I'm really looking forward to how things are going to turn out.

Me too. I have a feeling that you're all going to do really well on this program!

Oh, I just remembered.
There's another matter that I'd like to discuss with all of you.

Another matter?

Yes. So, I received an offer regarding a live stage performance.

A live stage performance...?!

Yes, for an outdoor music event called the “Idol Lovers Festival.” You may or may not have—

Idol Lovers?!

Ah, so you are familiar with it.

I have to think that every idol would be.

Yes, and not just idols. Fans of idols as well. It's famous for being like a rite of passage for young idol groups.

Right. And those who do well at this festival tend to become very successful.

The media, music producers, agency scouts and countless others from the industry are usually present. As a result, this event has become a very big deal.

Still, this is Idol Lovers we're talking about.
You can't just sign up and perform there.

You usually need a certain amount of experience and name recognition in order to receive an invite...

Yes, and this offer is no exception.
In other words...

They've decided to invite MORE MORE JUMP! because you've all been able to build up a good track record.

Wait, we have...?

Th-This is incredible...!
We've really been invited to perform at Idol Lovers...?!

So, does this mean the festival's operators have been watching what we've been doing...?

The channel it airs on requires a subscription, but it is aired live on TV every year.

They even make it available online for a few weeks afterward.

This festival is a great chance for us to reach even more new people.

Yeah!

Also, it'd be really hard to put on shows right now because of scheduling and budgeting issues.

But if we're being invited to perform at Idol Lovers, then we don't have to worry about any of those things.

Our fans are going to be so excited!
A lot of them have been commenting on our streams about how much they want another show!

True.
When you put it that way, there's no reason for us to not accept.

What do you think, Airi?

Oh...

Airi?

Oh...
Sorry, I didn't mean to space out.

The truth is, I've been wanting to perform at Idol Lovers since when I was still with QT...

Which is why I'm sorta having a hard time believing that we've been invited.

Then, I think we have our answer.

Yup...

We're gonna go on that stage and give it absolutely everything we've got!

In that case, I'll let them know that you accept their invitation!

Okay, thank you.

Then, we gotta start working on our set list and dances for it today!

Oh, sorry.
There's actually one more thing I need to mention...

One more thing?

Yes, it has to do with the festival's special ensemble.

Oh, the thing they do every year!
You always get to see different groups perform and interact with one another!

Yes, this has apparently involved everything from dance battles to eating competitions.

But this year, they'll be pairing up two different groups to do a joint performance.

A joint performance...?

Wait, does that mean we get to perform with another group?!

W-What kind of group will we be paired with...?

Nothing has been set in stone yet, but the name that's been brought up is...

A group called “ReLight”.

ReLight...? Aren't they...?

The group that has Mr. Hiiragi as their producer. The same person that helped build ASRUN.

They've been appearing on TV and in magazines a ton lately!

I've watched them a few times on TV too.
They're really amazing singers and their dancing is impeccable...

I can't help but keep thinking about how did they learn to dance like that!

I've been hearing their name more often recently, but I didn't realize they were that good!

And to think that we may get to perform with them on stage? This is so exciting, and such an honor.

Yes, it is...
In terms of popularity, you really can't ask for more...

Is something concerning you?

Oh, not concerning per se...

But despite ReLight's popularity, they've been receiving a lot of nasty comments on social media.

Oh...

Come to think of it, I've also noticed that...

I remember one person saying, “They aren't good. They just have a big agency backing them.” Another even said, “They're all rotten on the inside.”

Wh-Wh-Wh-What?!
They've never given off that impression on TV or in any magazine interview.

I can't really say what their personalities are like, but I totally get why they're so popular right now! I mean, they really are amazing at singing and dancing!

Right. Those are all just rumors anyway, so it's nothing to dwell on...

But since there's a chance that you'll be performing alongside them, I thought it'd be good to at least be aware of this sort of thing.

Saito...

We appreciate you being so careful and attentive, but I'm sure we'll be fine.

I agree.
Because our goal remains unchanged.

Right! We're gonna go to Idol Lovers and give everyone the best performance we possibly can!

You're all absolutely right!
I apologize for being so paranoid!

It is true that ReLight has been putting on incredible performances, so I'm sure this festival should end up being a good learning experience for all of you.

(A good learning experience...)

So, please do your best!
I promise to give you all the support I can!

Thank you very much!

(Yeah, when it comes to idols, ReLight has recently started standing head and shoulders above the rest...)

(And being asked to perform with them means that the spotlight's going to be on our abilities...)

(This might be my chance to make what I said back then come true.)

(In order to make our joint performance with them a success...)

(And to put on the perfect show, I have to do my absolute best!)