Kaede Takagaki
All of the projects from the idol division are ended,
and we're going to start anew.
After that, I'll choose the idols,
and bring them together for one project, with the goal being major results.
This is my decision.
I'll give you further instructions.
EPISODE 15
REFERENCE ROOM
What the heck is going on here?
All of the projects from the idol division are ended,
and we're going to start anew.
After that, only the idols that I select will make the cut and be supported
My aim is establishing a brand image for 346 overseas.
I believe the projects have their own aims and the idols performing in them,
are growing and developing their individualities.
Developing their individualities. That's fine.
However, time waits for no one.
The current process is too slow to produce results.
But each person has their own way of walking.
I can't proceed in a way that ignores that and makes them to lose their smile.
Then what's your idea?
If you disagree with me so much, surely you have a better plan?
If you give me a little time, I will...
Present your idea immediately.
I'm not a very patient person.
P-kun!
Pardon me... for being late!
Is this our room?
Apparently...
What did she mean by "ended"?
What's going to happen with our work?
I want you to continue with work that's already in progress.
Then you don't know what's happening from now on?
What's gonna happen with our units?
That, I...
Is the project really going to be canceled?
I won't let it. I promise.
I will present an alternate plan and we'll get through it.
Have faith in me.
Please give me a little time.
But is waiting the only thing we can do?
That's right! The summer fest was a success,
and it looked like things were going to pick up. I want to help.
Somehow...
Producer-san, it's almost time for the meeting.
Right.
I will get us through this.
Stay calm and continue with your regular schedule.
- Then it's the same way with your section, Akane-chan? - That's right.
This mood makes me so nervous!
I'm going for a run outside!
Akane-chan!
Then it's like I thought...
I wonder what will happen with the next.
For now, it seems everything that's already been decided is safe...
Karen, Nao!
Good morning!
- Good morning! - Good morning!
We saw the idol fest. It was awesome!
I told you about them last time.
Mika-nee was praising you two!
Really! I'm touched.
N-Not me. We've hardly done any work yet.
Oh, she said you're great at singing and dancing and have good taste.
Um, we're still newcomers, but I hope we can work together.
- Me too. - I hope we get to work together, too.
Are you waiting for a lesson to start?
Your CD debut was cut off?
That's terrible...
I think she's got a lot of nerve!
We prepared a lot for it...
Part of me thinks that we're not ready to make our debut yet anyway,
so it's nobody's fault.
I don't know what to do.
I'll be back.
Where are you going?
We were told to wait, remember?
I know, but,
this cruelty is the last straw!
And we're just supposed to sit here...
You said it yourself, Shiburin...
What are you going to do, Shimamu?
M-Me? Um... Um...
I... I'll... do my best!
I'll take lots of lessons, we still have concerts,
so I want to focus on them first. Um, after that... Huh?
Sorry! Did I say something weird?
But changes aren't good, so...
Sorry!
I was nervous and the blood rushed to my head.
M-Mio-chan...
All right, I'm gonna do my best with lessons, too!
Yeah. Me too.
Doing nothing makes you all the more anxious.
Take lessons with us, Karen and Nao.
Are you sure?
Of course!
Thank you!
Fabric softener, fabric softener...
Takagaki-san!
Thank you for coming.
Your career with 346 Pro is top-class.
I want them to do a special headlining feature on you for the next program.
I've chosen you.
Me?
Yes. You're not Cinderella, you're a princess.
Princess...
That's right. A plain shack doesn't suit a princess.
For starters, I'm going to give this event to someone else.
This minor event doesn't fit your image.
Have you heard about Takagaki-san?
- And Exec. Director Mishiro? - Yeah, that's the one.
That project is you all over.
I thought of several more, but...
No, I like this one. I can feel your conviction coming off of it.
The only thing is, will Exec. Director Mishiro be convinced?
I wonder.
Our department and the girls' future is is riding on this.
Have you heard about Takagaki-san?
Yes. That she turned down Executive Director Mishiro's proposal?
Yes. She's opposing Executive Director Mishiro in her own way.
It kind of reminded me a little of you.
Everyone in the company is talking about what happened with Kaede-san.
Yeah. She turned down a pretty big job, right?
- Turning down work at a time like this? - She's pretty rockin'.
She's beautiful and cool!
She's an angel's wings, protected by the moonlight.
She really is an idol to look up to!
Wonderful!
But Kaede-san...
Why did you turn down Exec. Director Mishiro's idea?
It was for the main part of the show!
I was so surprised...
At a time like this, I need to take a relaxative to get some relief.
Don't make jokes.
Let's drag her somewhere for an interrogation.
If you're going to drag me somewhere, please make it a pub!
Are you going to play dumb?
You're not getting a drink until you tell us why.
Oh, come on! How about a wee drink to loosen me up?
That's different from her image!
Jokes and a love of pubs...
stranno stranno. That is odd.
True...
But speaking of odd, I wonder why she turned down Exec. Director Mishiro.
I bet she had a good reason for it.
I'm envious-nya! I want to talk with Exec. Director Mishiro, too!
- I hate being told what to do like this-nya! - M-Miku-chan, calm down.
Producer told us to wait...
What would you tell her, anyway?
Well, maybe I can help P-chan. Or come up with a proposal...
A proposal? I wanna make one, too!
We've tried that, but it was turned down.
It's better than just sitting around-nya!
I know, but...
Then why don't we make a workspace for ourselves first?
Miku-chan, please clear out the storage space for us over there.
But I wanna write the...
Miku-chan, cleaning is an important part of the job.
Let's all get this room so clean that P-chan is surprised!
We'll keep it secret from the producer?
A young maiden's secret?
That's right!
Then I guess I'll get some dust cloths.
Don't let P-kun see you!
Producer...
Yes.
You've been looking grim all day.
Are you tired?
No. I'm fine.
I wonder if Kaede-san is already here.
I don't know...
Good morning...
Sign on! Sign off!
G-Good morning!
Good morning.
That's...
The proposal Miku-nyan was talking about.
Producer seems tired, so I want to help him out at least a little bit.
Having to do with a school festival?
No, make it bigger...
Where the audience really eats it up...
But I guess that's pretty normal...
Hey, Shimamu.
What's your pitch gonna be?
I'm still thinking about it...
I'm drawing a blank...
Excuse me.
Are you ready?
What are you doing?
Writing proposals!
We thought maybe we could somehow save the Cinderella Project.
But none of us have been struck by inspiration.
I'm sorry, Producer-san.
Not at all.
Thank you.
Wait, I mean, we don't have any good ideas yet, so, um...
Thank you!
Good job. In fact, that was a great performance.
Excuse me!
Could you help me out?
Seriously?
We're ready to give out the fans, but...
Are the tickets numbered?
Already given out, but fans who suspect we don't have many are pushing forward.
Understood. Then I'll get them...
Kaede-san?!
Takagaki-san!
We haven't formed a line yet!
Everyone, it's dangerous if you don't line up.
I planned on lots of fans so no pushing, no rushing, and no talking.
Just keep your snacks with you and get in line, please.
That sounds like a fire drill!
Huh? Then it's okay to talk.
- Wow... - Impressive... - Did you see that?
Now please return to the dressing room and relax.
R-Right.
I want to help, too.
But...
Me too.
Me too, if possible...
But you see...
We can't help?
If there's something I can do, I want to do it.
Kaede-san had such a nice smile...
Right! My heart was beating fast.
Is it okay with you?
Yes, by all means!
There were so many people...
Even though Kaede-san is a big star, she does the same things we do.
Yes. It was awesome.
Kaede-san!
Thank you for your help.
It's roomy but gloomy in here.
Right...
That's why I have to light up the room.
Thank you so much for coming.
It's the same as that time, that day...
Does anyone here remember this stage?
I remember!
Thank you.
This is the stage where I had my first performance.
I felt lonely and nervous.
But then I met all of you. You smiled and cheered me on.
Nothing could have made me happier than performing here again,
at this place that's so important to me.
I hope you have a good time.
A dry wind passes through my heart...
Excuse me...
Kaede-san.
Yes?
About Executive Director Mishiro. Why didn't you accept her offer?
Good question. Certainly, it was a good deal, but...
I can't accept.
Why not? It would give you much bigger results than that minor gig.
No work is major or minor.
This concert is at a place that means a lot to me.
You're not willing to advance your career by taking the next step?
I want to take the next step together with my fans.
Together?
Smiling together with my fans.
That's what's most important to me.
That's a vague reason.
That's my way of doing things.
You and I have different goals.
Together with the fans...
Smiling...
Our own way of doing things...
The smiles from then are supporting you now.
I hope you go forward without forgetting that.
I want to shine together.
Please give me the power to take a step forward.
Wonderful...
Yeah. Kaede-san and the fans, too...
Yes. They're glowing.
W-Wow!
It's totally clean!
Amazing!
CINDERELLA PROJECT FIGHT-NYA
You all did this?
- We wanted to do something... - But there's more! Ta-daaa!
A proposal?
Wow! We thought of the same thing!
Although we haven't actually come up with an idea yet...
Yeah.
Well, we were racking our brains here, too.
But feelings are important-nya.
We did everything we could right now!
Crawling our way back up from here on in is rock.
It's time to unleash our hidden power!
I'm ready!
Let's decide!
I'm psyched about it, too!
And Anzu-chan said she's totally motivated!
I-I never said that!
- We'll also... - ...do what we can, a little at a time!
If we're together, it'll be fine.
Da. I am not afraid.
All right!
Let's do things our own way!
That suits us!
Yeah!
I bet that's the strongest you can be!
Right, Producer?
Yes.
Excuse me.
I don't have time to spare for you.
I brought my alternative plan.
CINDERELLA'S BALL (TENTATIVE) POWER OF SMILE