Cinderella's Ball?
A complex event that would bring out the idols' personalities.
Personalities, huh? The exact opposite of the direction I indicated.
Power of Smile?
Yes. Smiling is the concept.
Idols will draw out smiles with their own power. That becomes their power.
Without that, they can't capture the fans' hearts.
Idols' smiles. And the many smiles that support them.
I don't mean fake smiles. I think genuine smiles are part of their charm.
It's like a fairy tale.
Fine. If you're that set on it, give it a shot.
But of course, you'll need to get decent results.
You have till the end of this period. I want results by then.
How you proceed and associated promotion are at your discretion.
I won't aid or interfere. I may allow the project to go on, based on results.
Of course, I'll proceed to do things my way.
However, if you fail,
I will decide how to deal with you and your department based on the outcome.
- When is it? - The end of this period.
We have until that deadline to proceed with the plan as we wish, more or less.
Of course, if the "ball" is a success, the Cinderella Project can go on.
Yes.
- Yay! - Then we can all be together!
But that's only if the ball is a success, right?
Yes.
Then together...
All the more reason to come together and make the ball a success!
Right. It's our chance to bounce back! Let's show her how strong we are, nya!
We who have been exiled from heaven, now is the time to rise in revolt!
- She's getting more rockin'! - We have a new goal.
Although it sounds tough...
It'll be fine!
Let's do things our way, with a smile!
- Yeah. - Right!
So, everyone, let's make Cinderella's Ball a total success!
Yeah!
EPISODE 16
The older I get, the harder it is to wake up.
Nana Abe! Off to work from the planet Bunnyears!
The whole project will have to become stronger than ever for this ball.
I'm working on a plan that focuses on your personality for outside appeal.
Then can we propose a plan too?
Of course. Let's think about it together.
Already thinking about a plan?
Yeah.
Still, "200 Cats Live"...
Let's think more realistically.
I want to increase our cuteness!
- Do you have something in mind? - Of course.
We'll appeal to pickier fans flying our rock flag!
You need to hurry up and learn guitar, nya!
All right! We also have to power up for the ball...
This man in a suit too...
- Yeah, I am kind of addicted to it. - That's the popular Rhythmon!
- Nana Abe-chan, nya! - Huh. It's Nana-chan...
Maekawa-san, Tada-san, please get ready for the taping.
- Right. - Roger, nya!
Good morning!
Morning.
Nana-chan.
- Good morning! - Good morning.
- Sorry I bothered you at the cafe. - Not at all.
I'm happy we get to work together like this. Let's do our best!
Right!
Ayame is one step ahead! That's our ninja doll!
Ayame-dono! That's the way!
Miku-chan and Nana-chan are both like cicadas.
Cat power, full throttle!
- Whoa, it's the cat character's will! - She's fired up!
I'm going full tilt, nya!
Psychic energy, infusion!
Energy received! Here I go!
Ears! Ears! Bunnyears!
Whoa! It's the Bunnyear cheer! Nana Abe-chan and Bunnyears. What a thrill!
Ears! Ears! Bunnyears!
Nana-chan wins by a narrow margin!
Bunnyears is amazing, nya!
This is a dish we were raised on.
- What's in there worries me! - Eat it and you'll feel like a pharaoh!
Where do you think Hakata ward is?
Okay, while they're yakking, let's continue.
Bunnyears!
That's me!
This is Bunnyear's Weather Corner!
T-Tomorrow will be a fine, crisp autumn day.
You could see planet Bunnyears.
- Good work. - I'm sorry, P-chan, nya.
No, you did fine. I'll have to excuse myself.
- I have a meeting after this. - Then we'll go back ourselves.
Thank you.
All right...
- Nana-chan, Yukko-chan! - Good work!
- You beat me today, nya! - Oh, I was just lucky.
- And I'm good with cliffs... - My psychic support gave her a boost!
I-I see...
I'm moved, nya!
The mood changed when the Bunnyears cheer started.
It's a distinct character!
No, everyone just got into it.
- It was your Bunnyears character, nya. - N-No, Bunnyears isn't a character.
I'm a singing, dancing, voice-actor idol from the planet Bunnyears! Nana Abe
- is the name! - Cool, nya!
It came to me during the show today. Nana-chan, you're my rival!
No, make that my goal!
I-I'm your goal?
This is kind of a passionate exchange!
Goal, huh?
From here on, I want 346 Pro idols to be seen as having the star quality
of show business from yesteryear and an otherworldly narrative.
- Then what about the TV show now? - We'll gradually shift the content.
Will it work in this day and age?
I think it's an interesting venture...
First, cancel one of this week's segments and switch performers.
- Please hold on. That's going too... - I told you.
I'm going to proceed to do things my way.
Her goal, she said...
All right! I'll do my best with Bunnyears power tomorrow too!
S-Sorry! Sorry!
- What's today's meeting about? - I don't know.
We had a lot of guests yesterday, right?
I wasn't on it...
Maybe there's a new project in the works?
A new project!
My glasses must have struck a chord with one of the higher-ups!
Good morning!
We want all of you to rethink the direction of the show.
Our company has reached a period of transition.
Part of that involves revising our key image from a production standpoint.
Practically speaking,
we plan on gradually reducing the amount of variety-show-related work.
You should know it'll be all but gone in the future.
We'll focus on idols as artists and establish a brand image.
Given that, we'd like you to rethink your characters.
What are these guys talking about?
It's not only the company. The idea is for all of you to change.
How can the company decide on this without us?
I'm not satisfied with this.
I'm sure you have strong feelings,
but I'd like you to discuss how to deal with it with your producers.
- And Nana Abe-kun. Stay here a minute. - O-Okay...
Don't tell me there's a psychic wall...
If they take away our laughs, what's left?
You've gotta have comedy.
- So singing will be our main job? - But they don't like character idols.
- Switching out the weather corner? - Sorry it's so sudden.
It seems they're going to shift the show's focus.
These kinds of changes will likely happen regularly from now on.
I see...
Excuse me.
I hate bearing bad news...
Decisions from upstairs. We don't have a choice.
Power of Smile... It seems you've given him the green light.
I thought it would be a good opportunity.
If they fail, I can use that as a reason to silence those who oppose my reforms.
Of course if they succeed, I won't complain either.
Reforms, huh? You don't think you're being pretty heavy-handed about it?
I have a vision.
I've coordinated my cute cat items.
You do have many.
Yeah! And I take turns using them, nya!
U-Um, the only direction you can go is "cat"?
Cats are my identity!
But...
What about you? Always going "rock, rock"!
M-Maybe I do, but...
Besides, cat ears are a key item for work.
The mood just changes when they're on, right?
I become really cute, like a cat!
- Anya-chan becomes Anyan! - You look good!
Uzuki-chan is Uzu-nyan! Rin-chan is Shibu-nyan!
- Shibu-nyan? - And me?
- Mio-nyan! - That's cute!
See? Everyone becomes cute, right? Cute is crucial for idols.
The question is do you need the character?
Of course. You saw Nana-chan yesterday, right?
A cute character with impact appeals to audiences,
and I think that's the best thing for the ball.
It seems the current company policy discourages those things in other units.
P-chan...
Then what Riina-chan said...
...was correct.
Only a handful have been told at this point, but...
That includes our department?
Of course I don't intend to discourage that.
But one person has suddenly been cut as a regular on the TV show.
Why don't you come home and learn to be a homemaker?
My dream was so close to coming true...
I don't wanna give up just yet!
Me without my cat character...
No no, that's out of the question!
But Nana-chan's regular weather corner was cut...
Hello? P-chan!
Nana Abe-san has a video game promotion event tomorrow.
If you're free to observe...
- Miku, do you have a job? - No, not exactly.
See you later.
Sorry to keep you, nya. Huh? Where's Riina-chan?
Today it's just...
Excuse me. It's about time to get ready. Thanks.
R-Right!
Y-Yes!
Nana-chan...
Um...
Sheesh!
Miku-chan! One pair of glasses changes your whole image.
I have mixed feelings about that positive feedback.
Huh? Why aren't you wearing bunny ears today?
Um... The bunny ears are...
You're giving up the ears?
N-No!
I'm Bunnyears from the planet Bunnyears, so I can't give up...
But if the company tells me I can't wear them, I may not have a choice.
Don't say that.
If somebody tells you to stop, you will! Is that all Bunnyears is to you?
Miku-chan...
I thought you were cool, Nana-chan.
When Bunnyears power got everyone excited, it gave me courage!
I-I...
Don't.
I thought of you as my goal, Nana-chan.
Nana-chan, you...
Um, hello, everyone!
Welcome to today's Rhythmon event!
I'm your host, Bun...
Nana Abe!
Who's that?
Um... Do you all play Rhythmon?
You do... right?
P-chan...
What should we do?
Should we obey what the company's decided on?
Should we change our characters? Our own way of doing things?
I invited Tada-san to observe today too.
This issue also ties in to the balance of the unit,
but since being told to continue with lessons and wait,
I think Tada-san wanted you to decide.
On a way to have a genuine smile...
So please check out the site.
Nana-chan!
Miku-chan...
Ears! Ears! Bunnyears!
What is that?
Is something starting?
- Is this okay? - It's fine. And I'm prepared.
Bunnyears!
Ears! Ears! Bunnyears!
Beep beep beep! It's a message from planet Bunnyears!
The Bunnyears cheer said the static that blocked my Fairy Tale Change is gone!
I'm unlocking the seal on my transformation!
One, two...
Fairy Tale Change!
Nana-chan!
Thanks for waiting! Here's today's first eye-popping event for the Rhythmon show!
With love and hope in both ears, I am from planet Bunnyears,
and I'm here to give you a rare Rhythmon!
Are you ready, everyone?
Here I go! One, two...
Heart Wave Piri-pirin!
Thank you, Bunnyears!
Thank you!
Did you all get it beamed straight from planet Bunnyears on a wave of love?
Yes!
Bunnyears in Rhythmon World!
Have a good time with Bunnyears!
Yay!
Thank you, Miku-chan.
I'm glad I got to do this one last job as Bunnyears.
Uh-uh, you're just getting started.
The company said stuff. So what?
You and I will make them accept what's important to us.
Miku-chan!
That was a nice performance.
Yeah! Nana-chan really is a wonderful idol, nya!
I can't let her beat me, nya!
Um, P-chan, what I asked you about before...
What do you think?
I think it's interesting. Let's talk to everyone else about it.
Right!
You want our help?
Yes. Regardless of departments, I hope you'll participate in our next project.
I've already talked to your department about it.
- You don't have to ask me twice! - I'm in!
Characters really are important for idols.
- You thinking what I'm thinking? - Of course!
I'm gonna stick to my guns!
I don't mind that rockwise.
- Then you'll wear cat ears too, nya? - No way.
- It seems things are back to normal. - No...
- I think it'll get even livelier. - V!
EPISODE 17