One week later
Morinomiya Revue - Courtyard
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Byakkomachi
Even for the shows where I was the lead, I don't think I ever felt this nervous.
Byakkomachi
We both did everything we could up to this point.
And I think it helps that I've made my mind up...
And I think it helps that I've made my mind up...
Byakkomachi
The meeting should be starting soon.
I'll go in like normal. You enter when it's our turn to present, Otori.
I'll go in like normal. You enter when it's our turn to present, Otori.
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Emu
(Keisuke and Shosuke taught me how to become a better speaker, and I practiced a ton with Suzu.)
Meeting Room
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Byakkomachi
Chairman, would now be a good time for us to give the presentation we asked the board to hear?
Board Members
Yes. Byakkomachi and another student wish to present an idea that involves not disbanding them...
Byakkomachi
(This is proof that they don't take the opinions of students seriously. They don't see a need to oppose the discussion.)
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Emu
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to hear our presentation today.
Emu
Yes. As fortune would have it, I am currently being allowed to study management here at the Morinomiya Revue.
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Byakkomachi
(I had just as much trouble believing it when we practiced together, but... She seems like a completely different person.)
Emu
However, there is no arguing with the fact that they have succeeded in their primary goal of appealing to a new demographic.
Byakkomachi
First, we'd like for you all to take a look at the data we've passed out, along with the following slide.
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Board Members
This looks like... The attendance data for the Suzurangumi and Kikyogumi troupes?
Emu
Yes. As I'm sure you're all already aware, when compared with Suzurangumi, Kikyogumi garners much more support from younger fans.
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Emu
That is partially due to the troupe members being much younger overall compared to Suzurangumi. And while they have their flaws, their passion and energy more than make up for it.
Emu
Unfortunately, high ticket prices are preventing new and existing fans from attending.
Board Members
Yes, but... We can't just blindly lower ticket prices since that'll result in a drop in revenue.
Board Members
Right... I can't imagine that it'll lead to an increase in attendance when we're already hemorrhaging star-level talent.
Emu
The spots left behind by the troupe's recent departures can be filled by some of the students at the academy.
Emu
The skill gap between the top tier of the boys and the current troupe members is virtually nonexistent.
Emu
In other words, the odds of seeing a significant drop in performance quality are just that low.
Byakkomachi
The boys will feel more motivated if they're given the chance to perform on that stage.
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Board Members
No audience would have that!
Surely you're aware that they want to see professionals perform?
Surely you're aware that they want to see professionals perform?
Emu
We might describe it as the trial run of a new show format featuring the best our academy has to offer.
Byakkomachi
Naturally, as this is an experiment, we'll offer tickets at lower prices. The audience should then be able to watch high-quality performances without having to shoulder any further burden.
Byakkomachi
So long as our audiences understand the experimental nature of the endeavor, we can prevent any concerns about erosion of the Morinomiya brand.
Byakkomachi
It's been challenging to get Kikyogumi's core fans to return to see shows due to how much younger they are coupled with the high ticket prices that have been set...
Byakkomachi
We may be able to make regulars out of a young demographic that was previously unfamiliar with Morinomiya.
Byakkomachi
This is an opportunity to make an investment for the future and expand your consumer base.
Board Members
At the moment, people don't exactly hold Kikyogumi in high regard. Even if they began trying something new, their current reputation is likely to control the conversation.
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Emu
Which is why you all must choose how you're going to blaze a new trail in completely unfamiliar territory.
Byakkomachi
The Kikyogumi fans believe in this troupe's future. They want to be there alongside their favorite performers as they grow...
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Board Members
Still, we can't let students perform and risk ruining Morinomiya's reputation!
Board Members
I agree...
And even if we see an increase in attendance, we can't expect stable earnings...
And even if we see an increase in attendance, we can't expect stable earnings...
Board Members
I agree... At the very least, something just doesn't seem right about disbanding the troupe right away.
Next Chapter: To the End