Time flew by, and the day of the second audition for [ASAYAN] finally arrived. Out of all the groups filtered through the first round, only sixteen teams would move on to the main stage.
Since the second audition was the period when groups from major agencies began promoting themselves before the finals, one could say the true beginning of [ASAYAN] started now.
Thus, the curtain rose on the grand festival of the Japanese entertainment industry.
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Ai visited the filming site of [ASAYAN] as an audience member along with Saito Ichigo. Her pretext was that she wanted to experience the atmosphere of [ASAYAN], a stage that [B-Komachi] might stand on one day.
Of course, for Saito Ichigo, who cherished Ai like his own daughter, he would have gladly accompanied her even without such a justification.
"Sato-president, who do you think will pass?"
"It's not Sato, it's 'Saito'... How many times do I have to... Well, who knows. Either a big agency or someone with real skill will pass."
"Ah, how boring... ( ˊ࿁ˋ ) ᐝ"
Ai fell silent as if her excitement had cooled upon hearing the words of the man with the yellow crew cut.
But from the man's perspective, he couldn't help it. As the manager of Ichigo Productions, he had experienced firsthand how cold and filled with lies the entertainment industry was. It was impossible to succeed in showbiz with just passion and effort alone.
"So, Ai, what kind of answer were you expecting to react like that?"
"In this [ASAYAN], Enfants Terribles will win!"
"Huh? Those ruffians?"
"Because Ai's 'Oshi' is there!"
Brilliant lights illuminated the stage as the Host walked out to the center.
"Everyone who possesses the qualifications to become Japan's top group has gathered here today! Who will move on to the finals?! And who will become the most brilliant 'Star'?! Let the festival begin!"
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Before the performances began, the four judges—including the Judge who had shed tears during the first audition—were introduced. The panel was divided into two junior judges to reflect youthful sensibilities and two senior judges to evaluate music from a mature perspective.
"It's the long-awaited first act! A gathering of beautiful flowers!! AKB48!!"
AKB48 was a multinational Japanese group formed in 2005 consisting of twenty-four members. Their selling point was that fans could 'watch the growth of their favorite idol from up close,' and they featured constant performances in their dedicated theater.
Naturally, since they had to perform twenty-four hours a day, multiple teams were planned to be formed, but that was a matter for later.
"Eh... they showed up too?"
Being a member of [B-Komachi], a similar type of underground idol group, Ai was also aware of them. However, since she never had the chance to see them with her own eyes, she observed them with a sense of curiosity.
They stepped out with a cute concept and delivered their performance. Both the vocals and the dancing were passable, but the problem was that in [ASAYAN], 'passable' was not enough.
The shrewd senior judge who had cried last time now wore a look of lamentation.
"Ah, it's a bit ambiguous."
"There's nothing distinctive about them, and their selling point to appeal to the public isn't strong enough either."
"Forget all that. If you want to be called professionals, those kids need to practice more, young men."
Ai's thoughts were exactly the same. Honestly, she was confident that if she went up there right now, she could deliver a far better stage. They had missed the most important element for an Idol: capturing the audience.
As someone born with the innate talent of a 'Star,' she couldn't understand that lack of impact.
'Why... would they perform like that?'
Ultimately, they failed. Only the shrewd senior judge gave them a pass as a consolation to encourage further effort. Similar scenes repeated constantly, with the exception of groups from major agencies who were painted in capital, utilizing massive numbers of back-dancers and high-end equipment.
In the midst of that, a raw, grating electric guitar buzz—Zzzzzzt!—began to refresh the atmosphere of the venue, which had been thick with boredom.
Simultaneously, the Host called out the names of the troublemakers.
"They are the biggest troublemakers of this [ASAYAN] that you've all been curious about! The terrifying children that no one can stop!
'Enfants Terribles'!!!"
When the Host announced the name 'Enfants Terribles,' the shrewd senior judge stood up from his seat and began to clap.
Their entrance was as if a 'Demon Lord' was descending upon the world.