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Colorful☆Poppin’Candy
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
With Kasumi's repeat math test after school, she won't make it to band practice on time. Will the girls wait for her?!
- Kasumi
Arisa! Good morning~!
- Arisa
Eugh!
- Arisa
Get off, Kasumi! You're too close!
- Kasumi
Hehehe. Sorry~!
- Kasumi
Arisa, I can't wait for today's practice! We're gonna try that song from yesterday, right?
- Arisa
What? Practice? It's still morning. We have a whole school day to get through first.
- Kasumi
I'm just so excited! All I wanna do is play guitar!
- Arisa
Okay, fine! I get it! Just get off me already!
- Kasumi
~♪
- Arisa
Stop.
- Kasumi
What?
- Arisa
Where exactly are you going? This is my classroom. Yours is that way.
- Kasumi
Ah...
- Arisa
Not "ah", just hurry up and get to class.
- Kasumi
Hehehe... Okay then. I'll see you later, Arisa! For band practice of course!
- Arisa
I keep telling you, practice isn't for- She can't hear me.
- Arisa
... Tsk. All she ever thinks about is that guitar.
- Arisa
... Hold on though. Tonight... doesn't she...?
- Kasumi
Phew, I made it! Saaya! Rimi-rin! O-Tae! Good morning!
- Saaya
Morning. You cut it pretty fine there, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
Hehe. I stayed up so late last night, I kinda overslept...
- Rimi
Really...? I'm glad to hear you were studying at least, Kasumi-chan.
- Kasumi
Studying? I wasn't studying.
- Rimi
Ah...?
- Kasumi
I was practicing guitar!
- Saaya
What? But...
- Tae
That repeat math test is today, after school.
- Kasumi
What? Whose?
- The Other Three
Yours! Yours, Kasumi-chan...! Yours.
- Kasumi
Mine...?
- Kasumi
... Ah! I completely forgot!
- Arisa
She must be taking the test right about now.
- Rimi
I hope she's okay... Teacher said she won't let her leave until she passes...
- Saaya
Well let's hope she passes before the day is done, then.
- Arisa
I bet she'll still be there when we go in tomorrow.
- Tae
Spending the night at school...
- Tae
... Sounds like fun, actually.
- Saaya
I mean, except for the whole test part. ... Anyway. What do we do now? Should we just start without her?
- Arisa
Hmm. I guess...
- Arisa
Ah...
- Kasumi
Teacher, here! I finished! It's done!
- Math Teacher
Already? That was fast. Let me see. ... Wow. You really did do it.
- Kasumi
Arisa helped me study through lunch, so we could practice tonight!
- Math Teacher
There's quite a few mistakes in here, but... I'll let it slide. Just remember to study hard next time, okay?
- Kasumi
Okay!
- Math Teacher
Practice, huh. You're not in any school clubs, though. ... Oh, the school festival-
- Kasumi
Yes! My band's performing at the school festival! Poppin'Party!
- Math Teacher
Pop... What...? Actually, never mind. I'm glad to see you are enjoying yourself. Just don't forget to study.
- Kasumi
I won't! Thanks, teach!
- Kasumi
... I'm back!
- Kasumi
I'm really sorry I kept you all- Huh? I don't hear any music...
- Rimi
Ah, there she is! Welcome back, Kasumi-chan!
- Tae
That was quicker than I expected. Good job.
- Kasumi
Yeah, thanks. ... What are you all doing? What happened to practice?
- Saaya
Arisa said you'd be out of there in no time, and that we should wait for you. Isn't that right?
- Kasumi
...!
- Tae
And here you are. Just like she said.
- Arisa
Y-yeah, well... I mean, obviously! I was the one who helped her study, after all. There's no way she was going to fail again.
- Kasumi
Arisa~!
- Arisa
Get off! Gross! You're so annoying! Let's just start practicing already!
- Kasumi
Okay! Come on guys, let's do this!
Poppin'Party practices in Arisa's Basement. They get excited talking about what kind of performance they should have.
- Kasumi
Hmmhmm~♪ Hmhmhm~♪
- Kasumi
... Tada~!
- Kasumi
Yay~! How was that? It was good, right?
- Saaya
Yeah. It was good. Just, Kasumi, you were a little fast at the end, there.
- Kasumi
Oh, really?
- Rimi
Should we try it again?
- Kasumi
Okay! Erm... Hmmhmm~♪ Hmhmhm~...
- Arisa
Too fast!
- Tae
Too, too fast.
- Kasumi
Hmm, weird... O-Tae~! What do I do?!
- Tae
Don't worry. Just listen to the drums. I'll set the rhythm for you.
- Kasumi
Good, okay!
- Arisa
Kasumi and her "O-Tae Sensei."
- Kasumi
Hehe, good, isn't it~?
- Tae
Sensei...? I don't know about that. I'm here to learn too, you know. It is fun, though.
- Arisa
Is that so?
- Tae
That's so.
- Saaya
It's not easy teaching people... But it's definitely fun to see them improve.
- Rimi
Are you talking about Sana-chan?
- Saaya
Yeah. Seeing her passing tests and getting good grades makes all the teaching worthwhile.
- Kasumi
Yeah! I know exactly what you mean!
- Arisa
Your sister is a way better student than you, Kasumi. I bet she's the one teaching you.
- Kasumi
Th-that's not true~! I help Aa-chan study all the time!
- Rimi
Hehe. I sometimes wish I had a little sister...
- Kasumi
You have an older sister though, right Rimi-rin?
- Tae
Yuri-san. She's so cool...
- Rimi
She's too cool~! I don't have anything to teach her...
- Rimi
I wish I could be like her some day... But that day's still very far away~.
- Kasumi
Well, I love you and your bass just the way you are, Rimi-rin!
- Rimi
... Really?
- Kasumi
Really! Without you, Rimi-rin... We just wouldn't be Poppin'Party!
- Rimi
Kasumi-chan... Hehe. Thank you.
- Arisa
... You really come out with some cheesy stuff, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
I love you too, Arisa~!
- Arisa
Eugh, stop it! Gross!
- Saaya
Haha! Strangers, siblings, whoever. We are who we are, I suppose. We just have to move to our own beat.
- Kasumi
Yeah! That's what I've been saying!
- Arisa
It doesn't mean you can mess up the tempo! That's one beat you have to match up with.
- Kasumi
Ahh... I'll try...
- Tae
I like you speeding off like that, Kasumi. It really shows your excitement for the performance.
- Kasumi
Really? Then maybe I should keep on-
- Tae
That's not what I meant.
- Kasumi
Yeah, I thought not. I'll keep practicing...
- Saaya
We all know this band works exactly because it's the five of us. We just need to get ourselves completely in sync.
- Saaya
Don't you want to give a performance that only we are capable of?
- Kasumi
...! I do!
- Tae
Yeah. Me too.
- Rimi
M-me too.
- Arisa
... I don't really care.
- Kasumi
Arisa~!
- Arisa
Sh-shut up! You just said we all move to our own beat! Now we have to get completely in sync?!
- Saaya
Don't worry, Kasumi. Arisa just gets like this sometimes.
- Arisa
I do not!
- Kasumi
Haha! Oh, right! I bet we can do something just, booom! That makes everyone go, waaaah!
- Arisa
No idea. English!
- Saaya
She wants to do something big, create a movement, and change the world. I think?
- Kasumi
Yeah! Exactly!
- Arisa
And you think our high school band can do that? Change the world... I think we'll only go as far as this town.
- Rimi
Hehe. I think even that sounds amazing enough, though.
- Tae
Good point.
- Saaya
Hehe. Nothing is impossible, you know. As long as we're with Kasumi, there's always a chance something unexpected will happen.
During band practice, the conversation turns to the Downtown Festival. Will Kasumi's ideas impress the band?
- Kasumi
Hmm-hmm~♪ Okay!
- Kasumi
Well? What do we think?
- Tae
Perfect.
- Rimi
It really was! We were all completely in sync with each other.
- Kasumi
You really think so?! What about you, Arisa?
- Arisa
It was better than yesterday, at least.
- Kasumi
Yay! That must mean all our hard work is paying off♪
- Arisa
If only you'd try so hard at school, too. You might stop crying before tests.
- Kasumi
... Ouch...
- Saaya
Your face is a picture, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
Saaya! Arisa's being mean! She sounds just like Aa-chan~!
- Arisa
Your little sister bullies you?!
- Tae
Kasumi. Be strong.
- Kasumi
Saaya~, can't you do something to cheer me up?
- Saaya
Hmm. Something to cheer Kasumi up... ... Well, there is a festival going on-
- Kasumi
A festival?! Where?!
- Saaya
The same place it is every year, in town.
- Arisa
It's that time of year already, huh.
- Rimi
Will your family be taking part again, Saaya-chan?
- Tae
Selling bread, I guess...?
- Saaya
I imagine so. I mean, we always do. I haven't heard them talk about it yet, though.
- Rimi
I really like the candy stall at the festival best.
- Kasumi
The candy stall! Aa-chan told me about it once before!
- Rimi
I went with my sister once before... They're so delicious and sweet.
- Saaya
Everyone in town just can't wait for it to open.
- Tae
Me neither. It's pretty exciting.
- Arisa
I had no idea.
- Rimi
It's really famous.
- Tae
They'll make you customized candies, too.
- Kasumi
Wait, really?!
- Arisa
You mean, in any shape you want?
- Rimi
Any shape! They're really good at it, too.
- Arisa
Hmm. Could they make one Kasumi-shaped?
- Rimi
Actually, I think they draw caricatures there, too!
- Saaya
You can't eat Kasumi, Arisa...
- Kasumi
Wh-what?!
- Arisa
Th-that's not what I meant!
- Kasumi
If Arisa eats me, I won't be me anymore!
- Arisa
No one's eating anyone!
- Tae
I might eat Arisa.
- Arisa
Well don't!
- Saaya
It's nice to see everyone getting along, at least.
- Kasumi
... Ah!
- Kasumi
Do you think they could make star-shaped candies?
- Rimi
Star-shaped?
- Kasumi
Yeah! Like our band logo!
- Kasumi
We could get five made and eat them together!
- Tae
Great idea.
- Saaya
That would be perfect for us.
- Rimi
I think that sounds great. What do you think, Arisa?
- Arisa
Star-shaped candies? Fine, if you must... It does sound like something we'd do.
- Kasumi
Yay!
- Kasumi
I'm so excited, I can't wait for the festival to start♪
- Arisa
Calm down, Kasumi.
- Tae
You're excited for your candied Kasumis too though, right?
- Arisa
Enough with the Kasumi candy!
- Saaya
I think that's as good a point as any to stop and get back to practice.
- Kasumi
Okay! Hmm-hmm~♪
- Tae
That's the spirit.
- Kasumi
Come on then, everyone! Once more from the top!
The girls are in shock over the cancellation of the festival. Can they find out what happened...?
- Tae
... It's getting late already.
- Rimi
Oh, you're right. I was so focused, I hadn't noticed...
- Arisa
Maybe we should take this somewhere else.
- Kasumi
Okay! I wanna ask around about that festival, too! I've just gotta know when it starts♪
- Arisa
Are you an actual child?
- Kasumi
I don't think so...?!
- Saaya
Haha. You seem even happier than usual today.
- Rimi
I think she's just excited about this festival.
- Kasumi
Exactly right, Rimi-rin~♪
- Kasumi
But it's not just that! I can't wait for us all to get our special Poppin' Party star candies, too♪
- Arisa
Nope. Definitely a child...
- Kasumi
You're gonna join me too, Arisa~!
- Arisa
G-get off me!
- Kasumi
Festival, festival, festival fun~♪
- Arisa
We're in public, you know.
- Saaya
I can see why she's so excited, though. I'm kind of excited myself. And I bet you are too, Arisa.
- Arisa
Hmm... Maybe a little.
- Rimi
... Ah.
- Saaya
Rimi-rin? What is it?
- Rimi
Huh? I... I... This...
- Saaya
This...? Oh. ... Ohh.
- Tae
This isn't good.
- Kasumi
A flyer? Let's see here.
- Kasumi
This year's festival is... canceled?!
- Tae
... That's terrible.
- Kasumi
Canceled?! Why?!
- Saaya
I had no idea...
- Kasumi
Wait! Maybe it's a printing error or something!
- Rimi
Maybe they just made a mistake...?
- Tae
Maybe it's a conspiracy...
- Arisa
You're all extremely wrong.
- Kasumi
Everyone makes mistakes, Arisa!
- Arisa
That is so not what I-
- Kasumi
We have to go and find out the truth!
- Tae
She's right. This is our top priority.
- Kasumi
For the Poppin' Party star candies!
- Kasumi
There are flyers everywhere here, too...
- Tae
On every wall and post.
- Rimi
If they've put up this many, I doubt there's any mistake...
- Saaya
Jun and Sana were so looking forward to it, too...
- Kasumi
... I want to know why it was canceled!
- Rimi
I would like to find out, too.
- Kasumi
Hey, it's Michelle! She's bound to know what happened!
- Arisa
What would a pink bear know about anything?
- Tae
There is a person inside, you know.
- Rimi
Th-there is?!
- Saaya
She's the mascot of this shopping district. She really might know why the festival was canceled.
- Kasumi
Michelle~!
- Michelle
...?!
- Kasumi
Has the festival really been canceled? You have to tell us!
- Arisa
Bears don't speak, Kasumi.
- Tae
Nod for yes, shake for no.
- Michelle
......
- Kasumi
Ahh~!!
- Rimi
Kasumi-chan...
- Saaya
Cheer up, Kasumi...
- Tae
None of us wanted this.
- Kasumi
O-Tae... Saaya...
- Arisa
... I guess that means no star candies, then.
- Kasumi
But I really wanted us to have them~!!
Tomoe reveals the reason the festival was cancelled. Will Kasumi survive her despair...?
- Arisa
You look like you have something on your mind.
- Rimi
I'm still wondering why the festival was canceled...
- Tae
It must have been something important.
- Saaya
I would never have imagined it would get canceled.
- Arisa
Yeah. So many people were looking forward to it, too. They're all gonna want to know why.
- Rimi
I bet more people want it to happen than want it canceled, too...
- Tae
In other words, it is a conspiracy after all.
- Kasumi
Hrm...
- Arisa
An unusual grumble from Kasumi. What's the matter now?
- Saaya
I think she's still in shock... Come on Kasumi, cheer up.
- Kasumi
But... but...
- Tae
There there, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
O-Tae~...
- Rimi
It's not going to be the same without the festival this year.
- Arisa
And without any candies, either.
- Kasumi
The candies... I really wanted us to share them~!
- Arisa
Crying isn't going to bring them back.
- Saaya
She's just upset after getting so excited.
- Rimi
Why would they cancel it so suddenly?
- Saaya
It's everyone's highlight of the year.
- Arisa
Adults have their reasons, I guess.
- Tae
Stupid adults.
- Rimi
I was looking forward to our special star candies, too...
- Saaya
It really was a great idea.
- Tomoe
Hey, Saaya. Why all the long faces?
- Rimi
Ah... Th-these flyers around town...
- Tae
They say the festival's been canceled this year. We're all feeling sad about it.
- Tomoe
Oh, yeah. I was kinda looking forward to it myself.
- Kasumi
I even asked Michelle, and she said it's all true...
- Arisa
I don't think she "said" anything.
- Tae
I bet whoever's inside is feeling sad, too.
- Rimi
Inside...?!
- Saaya
We were going to ask at the candy stall for some special sweets, but now we won't get the chance...
- Tomoe
That is a really good stall. I visit it every year.
- Kasumi
The whole town must be upset over all this...
- Tomoe
I'm sure they are. I know I am.
- Tae
And we still don't even know the reason why...
- Arisa
Not unless Michelle starts blabbing.
- Tomoe
The reason? I heard it was a funding issue.
- Rimi
A funding issue...? Really?
- Tomoe
Yeah. The town suffered some budget cuts recently, and the festival fund had to be let go.
- Arisa
Right.
- Kasumi
B-but... everyone enjoys it so much!
- Saaya
They do. It was always filled with people each year.
- Kasumi
So why did they have to cut the budget, then?
- Tomoe
I don't think it's for us kids to know, really.
- Tae
We should find an adult.
- Kasumi
We have to get the truth!
- Arisa
Tomoe-san literally just told us the truth.
- Kasumi
But I wanna know the real reason behind it all!
- Arisa
Okay, fine! Just get off me already!
- Saaya
I mean... there's nothing we can do about a town budget...
- Tae
It just gets sadder and sadder.
- Tomoe
I'll see you guys later.
- Rimi
Thank you, Udagawa-san!
- Saaya
I guess Tomoe was excited for the festival, too.
- Arisa
So she says.
- Tae
Excited for the candy, no doubt.
- Arisa
... Snap out of it, Kasumi. We're losing valuable practice time.
- Kasumi
A~ri~sa~!
The girls try to think of a way to bring the festival back. Can they come up with something together?
- Kasumi
Hmph...
- Tae
You look like a hamster, Kasumi. Cheeks all puffed out.
- Rimi
She must be feeling really sad.
- Kasumi
Of course I am. I really wanted to go to the festival.
- Saaya
Well, whoever's in charge decided it must be canceled, so...
- Arisa
Do you think that means it won't be on next year either?
- Saaya
If there's no budget this year, then there probably won't be next year, no.
- Rimi
So no more festivals.
- Saaya
We can't be certain, but it does look that way.
- Kasumi
But I never even got to go once~!
- Arisa
Stop crying. There's plenty of other festivals out there.
- Kasumi
But I wanted to go to this one here!
- Rimi
Kasumi-chan...
- Tae
There's nothing more we can do. Come on, Kasumi.
- Arisa
She's right. It's time for practice, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
The festival...
- Saaya
Kasumi.
- Kasumi
... Huh? Ah...
- Saaya
Were you listening? That sound was way off.
- Tae
Her hand wasn't moving.
- Rimi
Are you okay, Kasumi-chan?
- Arisa
Just leave her. She's still crying over that festival. If you're not gonna focus during practice, I'm just gonna go home.
- Tae
Tough love.
- Arisa
Quiet, you.
- Rimi
She really was looking forward to it... I wish we could help, but...
- Tae
What if we made candy here, ourselves?
- Saaya
It's way too hard. But you're right, we need to do something. Kasumi's just not the same.
- Rimi
I can understand why, though... It really is a shame.
- Saaya
She was more excited than anyone, that's for sure.
- Arisa
Let it go. She'll get through it soon enough. I'm not wasting my time worrying about it.
- Kasumi
Hrm... I can't do it!
- Kasumi
Everyone! I just can't give up like this!
- Arisa
See?
- Tae
Wow. You knew she was going to say that, didn't you?
- Arisa
I can read her like a book.
- Kasumi
We have to do something! About the festival!
- Saaya
We all want to, but... there's not really anything we can do...
- Kasumi
There must be something! We just have to find it! I just... I really want us to have our star candies...
- Saaya
... You're right. I want them too.
- Tae
Me too. Oh and Arisa candy, of course.
- Rimi
The more Kasumi-chan mentions it, the more I want it, too!
- Tae
And Arisa wants her Kasumi candy, too.
- Arisa
No I do not! ... But star candy would be nice, I guess.
- Kasumi
Maybe if we all worked together, we could somehow bring back the festival.
- Rimi
Us? But how...?
- Kasumi
I don't know yet. But I'm gonna think real hard!
- Arisa
Try stopping and thinking about what you're saying.
- Saaya
It's not going to be easy overturning a decision like this.
- Tae
Our enemy is too strong.
- Rimi
I'm not sure there is anything we can do.
- Saaya
Hrm...
- Tae
I really can't think of any good ideas.
- Saaya
Maybe we should take a break.
- Arisa
Good idea. Not like we were getting any practice done anyway.
- Tae
Agreed.
- Arisa
I'll get us some drinks.
- Kasumi
Yay! Something ice cold, please!
- Arisa
You...! Ugh, fine. Anything to cool your head.
- Saaya
Thanks, Arisa.
- Rimi
Do you want me to help, Arisa-chan?
- Tae
I'll go too.
- Arisa
I don't need help. You just wait here.
The girls go to the Community Center to see if there's anything they can do about the festival. Who will they meet there?!
- Arisa
Here. Drink some juice and clear your head.
- Kasumi
I just don't know what to do...
- Arisa
... Not even listening.
- Saaya
That's our Kasumi.
- Rimi
Ahh, this is delicious. It's nice to take a break.
- Tae
A Poppin' Tea Party.
- Arisa
Not tea, but sure.
- Kasumi
... I've got it!
- Kasumi
We should go and ask what they need to bring their budget back up!
- Saaya
Go and ask...? Where?
- Kasumi
The... budget store?
- Tae
And where's that?
- Arisa
You mean city hall?
- Kasumi
Yeah! That's the one!
- Tae
Let's hurry. Everyone get ready.
- Rimi
Ah, wait... Are we allowed to just go to city hall...?
- Saaya
What if they won't even hear us out?
- Tae
... Turned away at the door.
- Kasumi
Hrm... But where else could we go...?
- Saaya
Maybe we should try heading back into town first.
- Arisa
I guess we could try the community center...
- Kasumi
If they're the ones with budgets, then let's go! Come on, everyone!!
- Arisa
I guess that's practice done for the day, then.
- Saaya
You know there's no stopping her now.
- Rimi
Fufu. I'm just glad to see her happy again.
- Tae
Me too.
- Arisa
... Ugh, fine. Let's go on her crazy adventure.
- Kasumi
Hello! We've come to get some budget!
- Arisa
... You are a bonafide idiot.
- Saaya
Sorry to drop in like this. My name is Saaya Yamabuki, from Yamabuki Bakery.
- Man
Ah, Saaya-chan. And how can I help you today? Something about budgets, was it...?
- Rimi
U-umm... It's about the town festival...
- Tae
We're upset that it got canceled.
- Arisa
We heard it had something to do with budgets being cut.
- Kasumi
So we wanna know how we can get it uncut!
- Man
We have been receiving a lot of correspondence about the festival, and indeed most people are sad to see it go.
- Kasumi
We're not the only ones after all!
- Saaya
Would you consider not cancelling it, then?
- Man
I'm afraid the matter is very much out of our hands.
- Rimi
Why is that?
- Man
As much as we would like to protect our traditions, this decision came down to us from city hall. We have no recourse to fight them.
- Tae
... The elusive city hall.
- Rimi
Not even the community can save their own festival...
- Arisa
That doesn't sound fair, does it?
- Tae
I can't believe it.
- Kasumi
Me neither! Are you okay with this, mister?
- Man
No, I can't say I really understand the decision either.
- Saaya
Everyone was really looking forward to it.
- Kasumi
Isn't there something we can do?
- City Worker
Perhaps I could be of assistance?
- City Worker
Good evening. You are all students at Hanasakigawa, are you?
- Saaya
Yes, we're first years.
- City Worker
Well, I am Community Promotions manager for this city.
- Arisa
... From city hall.
- Rimi
Why would someone from city hall be here...?
- City Worker
On business, of course.
- Kasumi
Excuse me! We want a budget to hold our festival again this year!
- Saaya
Everyone has been looking forward to it so much. Is there anything you can do?
- Rimi
P-please!
- City Worker
Allow me to be perfectly clear. That shopping district will not hold another festival again.
- All
...?!
The festival has been cancelled and the girls are at their wits end. Will Kasumi give up...?!
- Kasumi
Why... why won't there be any more festivals?!
- City Worker
Because there are far better ways to make use of our city budget.
- Arisa
Better ways...?
- City Worker
We are planning to add a new station building. It will do a lot more good for all our residents than a festival.
- Kasumi
But what about what the people want...?! They all want the festival to go on!
- City Worker
The people do not know what is good for them. Their feelings are not what is important here!
- Kasumi
Th-that's just...
- Saaya
Our families, our friends, everyone in town... We were all so excited for it...
- Tae
This is just... too sad...
- Rimi
I really wanted to go to the festival...
- City Worker
It has already been decided. For the good of the community, there will be no more festivals. There is nothing to be done about it.
- Tae
Like a real-life movie villain...
- Rimi
It looks like no one's willing to listen to us...
- Arisa
You're wrong... There has to be a way you can bring back the festival. You're just not looking hard enough...!
- Kasumi
Yeah, that's right!
- Tae
I agree.
- Saaya
Me too. You should be thinking more about the people.
- City Worker
Oh, honestly... You don't even know what you're saying... This matter is beyond your childish comprehension.
- Arisa
Wh-what...?!
- City Worker
I cannot waste my time with this any longer. Go on, go home.
- Rimi
So mean...
- Tae
Too blunt...
- Saaya
So no one's willing to help us, then...
- Kasumi
We can't give up yet! What'll happen to the festival~?
- Man
I'm sorry, girls. He's always been a very difficult person, rarely ever listens to a word we say.
- Saaya
It's not looking good... But there must still be a way...
- Arisa
Saaya, come with me. Everyone else, too.
- Rimi
Arisa-chan, wait!
- Kasumi
Ahh... All my sparkling feelings have just turned to mulch...
- Tae
Kasumi, we should go.
- Kasumi
O-Tae~...
- Tae
There, there.
- Saaya
We'll see you again.
- Arisa
... Our enemy's stronger than we thought.
- Saaya
He just had no time for school girls like us.
- Tae
Just like the bad guys on TV.
- Rimi
He said there's nothing we can do... Is he right...?
- Tae
He should really think more about the people in this community he's always talking about.
- Saaya
You're right, but how can we get him to understand...?
- Arisa
I bet he's never even been to the festival. That's why he doesn't understand.
- Rimi
If only he could actually take part in it, maybe he'd change his mind.
- Arisa
... You've been surprisingly quiet, Kasumi.
- Rimi
... Are you mad?
- Saaya
She does look upset.
- Rimi
Are you okay, Kasumi-chan?
- Kasumi
No! I'm very not okay!
- Arisa
You still sound like the same loud Kasumi to me.
- Kasumi
I'm just feeling so... blegh! Like I just wanna shout!
- Tae
I know. Me too.
- Kasumi
All our sparkling, all our heart-pounding... It feels like it's slipping away... I want to do something, but I just...!
- Kasumi
I just don't know what to do~!
The girls hold a strategy meeting over croquettes. Can they come up with a plan?
- Kasumi
I just wanna enjoy the festival! I wanna feel my heart beat to the sparkle, Arisa~!
- Arisa
C-calm down, will you?
- Kasumi
I wanna get rid of this icky feeling!
- Rimi
It doesn't feel right leaving things this way, does it...
- Tae
I think we all feel the same.
- Arisa
I'm more annoyed that man was so rude to us back there...
- Tae
We didn't stand a chance...
- Saaya
It doesn't feel good to be so helpless.
- Arisa
Well, there's no point in feeling sorry for ourselves. We need to come up with a plan.
- Kasumi
Arisa! Are you finally with me?
- Arisa
I-I mean... we can't just give up, right?
- Arisa
We finally found out who our enemy is.
- Rimi
Enemy...
- Tae
The people from the city office?
- Saaya
I don't know about "enemy"... But they are definitely the ones we need to convince.
- Rimi
So now we just need to think of how to convince them!
- Tae
The final step in our plan.
- Kasumi
We can do it! If we all work together, I know we can do it!
- Tae
For the community... It's time we had a strategy meeting.
- Kasumi
Strategy meeting! Great idea, O-Tae!
- Arisa
With some croquettes to help us think.
- Kasumi
Croquettes! Even better idea! We can eat and eat and eat and think!
- Saaya
Less eating, more thinking, I hope.
- Kasumi
Okay, okay~!
- Kasumi
But first things first, let's eat!
- Tae
So fast.
- Rimi
I'll try one too.
- Kasumi
... *nom!* Ahh! So good!
- Saaya
This place really does have the best croquettes in town.
- Tae
And they're cheap, too.
- Arisa
Not bad at all.
- Kasumi
Another one!
- Arisa
You'll get fat.
- Kasumi
Oof...
- Tae
I'm getting another.
- Rimi
I think I'll have another one, too.
- Kasumi
...!! Then I'm gonna get one, too!
- Saaya
There you go, Arisa.
- Arisa
I'm good, thanks.
- Tae
If we all get fat together, there's no worry.
- Saaya
Not that any of us want to, exactly.
- Kasumi
Arisa~! We've gotta eat together, come on~!
- Arisa
... Fine. Just this once.
- Tae
Operation Fatten Up Arisa, success.
- Saaya
Anyway, as we were saying, the festival...
- Kasumi
Let's protest! We'll sit out in the shopping district until they give in!
- Arisa
That'll have the complete opposite effect, you know.
- Rimi
We could collect donations to fund the festival?
- Saaya
We would never get enough in time. We don't even know how much we'd need...
- Tae
Under cover of dark... we strike them in their sleep... It won't be easy, but...
- Kasumi
O-Tae, that's way too dangerous~!
- Rimi
We can't come up with any ideas at all.
- Saaya
I don't know what to do...
- Tae
... I guess it's just too big a task for high schoolers like us.
- Arisa
I hate to admit it, but I think you're right.
- Rimi
Maybe it is impossible after all...
- All
Hrm...
The girls meet in class. When Kasumi starts singing about shining stars, the group realizes something important.
- Kasumi
Arisa~! Good morning~!
- Arisa
Get off me!
- Kasumi
You know you want a hug~♪
- Arisa
Not in public, and not ever.
- Rimi
Good morning Kasumi-chan, Arisa-chan.
- Kasumi
Rimi-rin! Morning~♪
- Rimi
I hope we can all think up a great new plan today.
- Arisa
It's been a while already, huh.
- Kasumi
Time keeps slipping away!
- Saaya
Good morning everyone.
- Kasumi
Saaya~! O-Tae, too!
- Tae
Morning.
- Saaya
Did anyone come up with any good ideas?
- Kasumi
No, none...
- Saaya
Yeah. I don't have any either.
- Kasumi
... Okay! Let's all think about it during the day and meet up again after class!
- Tae
What if we can't think of anything?
- Kasumi
Hrm... you get punished.
- Rimi
What...?
- Kasumi
Like for example, Rimi-rin would have to go without cornets.
- Rimi
Wh-what?! No, please no... That's torture...
- Kasumi
Okay then, how about getting hugged by me for an entire day?
- Arisa
Now that's torture.
- Saaya
Sounds like daily life.
- Tae
What's your punishment then, Kasumi?
- Kasumi
Hrm... No hugging anyone for an entire day, I guess.
- Arisa
Is that even possible?
- Kasumi
Nope! Definitely not!
- Tae
As long as we each come up with something, we'll be okay.
- Saaya
We'd better get our thinking caps on, then.
- Kasumi
Come on guys, we can do it! I'll see you after school!
- Arisa
... So? Did anyone come up with anything?
- Kasumi
Hrm...
- Rimi
I... didn't think of anything...
- Tae
Still working on it.
- Saaya
I'm ready to give up.
- Arisa
Useless, all of you.
- Kasumi
What about you, Arisa? Did you think of a plan?
- Arisa
... No.
- Kasumi
That makes none of us, then...
- Saaya
I think we've reached our limit.
- Tae
I need to guitar these bad feelings out of me.
- Kasumi
Hearing O-Tae's guitar just makes me want to sing!
- Kasumi
Twinkle twinkle...
- Saaya
Little star...
- Rimi
How I wonder...
- Arisa
... What you are.
- Tae
Great. We should do that more often.
- Arisa
... Tch.
- Kasumi
Haha! All of us, twinkle-twinkling♪
- Tae
I didn't expect all of you to sing.
- Rimi
I didn't either. I just heard Kasumi-chan singing, and...
- Arisa
She swept me up in her deceptive sparkly wave, too.
- Saaya
It just shows that we really are all feeling the same feelings right now.
- Rimi
It was a lot of fun.
- Kasumi
... That's it! Guys, I've got it!
- Kasumi
This feeling... You know what this is, right? It's the real spirit of the festival!
- Tae
What we're feeling right now...
- Kasumi
Five friends, spending time together, laughing and getting to know each other...
- Kasumi
Fun and happiness just growing day by day...!
- Kasumi
That's the most important thing of all!
Kasumi wants to share the excitement with everyone. She suggest a performance Downtown.
- Arisa
I know you're on a roll right now Kasumi, but just calm down...
- Kasumi
I can't! I can't calm down!
- Arisa
I'm saying you're losing it, Kasumi.
- Saaya
We know exactly what you mean, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
Right?!
- Rimi
Of course. We all felt it, singing together like that♪
- Kasumi
Yay! I'm so glad you understand, Rimi-rin♪
- Tae
Sharing moments like this is what's really important.
- Kasumi
Sharing...! I wanna share this feeling with everybody! This sparkling, heart-pounding feeling!
- Saaya
That was the whole reason for having a festival in the first place, too.
- Arisa
I get it. I do, really.
- Kasumi
Saaya! Arisa! I'm so happy we're all on the same page♪
- Saaya
Of course we are. We're all here together because of you, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
You are?
- Rimi
No one else would have brought this band together.
- Tae
All thanks to you, Kasumi.
- Arisa
I was more dragged against my will, but still.
- Saaya
We can never forget what's most important of all. That we are all here together.
- Kasumi
Yes! I love you all so much~♪
- Arisa
She's gone past crazy into creepy, now.
- Tae
You're blushing.
- Rimi
I feel like we're all closer than ever before.
- Saaya
I hope we get to feel like this a lot more in future, too.
- Kasumi
Let's make every day more exciting than the last!
- Arisa
Not every day, please. I don't need the stress.
- Kasumi
Come on~! We're talking about fun~! Lots and lots of happy, chatty fun~♪
- Arisa
Like I said, stress.
- Tae
You're blushing again.
- Arisa
I am not!
- Saaya
I just hope we can get the city office people to understand this feeling, too.
- Rimi
I think the people from the shopping district will... But the city office is still going to be difficult...
- Tae
The final step in our plan.
- Rimi
I know it will be tough, but I don't want to give up.
- Arisa
Even so, it does look pretty much impossible...
- Kasumi
Hrm... What should we do...?
- Rimi
Something only we can do...
- Tae
Hmm... Tough one.
- Saaya
It's not easy changing someone's mind when they're already so decided on something...
- Kasumi
... I've got it!
- Arisa
Veto.
- Kasumi
But I haven't even explained it yet!
- Arisa
Sorry, just a natural reflex. ... Well go on, then.
- Kasumi
Okay, so! We have to express these feelings the only way we can, right?
- Tae
The only way we can.
- Kasumi
With a performance! We can perform for all the community and the city hall people, too!
- Arisa, Rimi, Tae & Saaya
Perform?
- Kasumi
It's what we do best! We can express our true feelings through song!
- Arisa
There she goes again...
- Tae
I'm not sure how the message will get across.
- Kasumi
It will, I know it will! If we just try hard enough, it'll all work out!
- Saaya
It'll all work out... Confident as always, Kasumi.
- Rimi
I think it's a really good idea, Kasumi-chan. I bet it will be really exciting, too.
- Arisa
A live performance... I suppose it could be a little fun.
- Kasumi
What do you think? ... Can we do it?
- Tae
I think we should try.
- Saaya
I agree. If only just to see how another Kasumi's plan turns out.
- Rimi
It was a burst of inspiration from Kasumi-chan that formed our band in the first place, after all.
- Arisa
Just promise me you won't go crazy trying to do everything at once, like you always do.
- Kasumi
Arisa~!
- Arisa
And promise to get off of me, too!
- Arisa
... I'll just have to keep an eye on you myself, then.
- Kasumi
Thank you, everyone! We finally got a plan together!!
Wanting more than anything to perform Downtown, the girls ask for the festival to be reinstated.
- Kasumi
School's out! Time to go find Arisa!
- Saaya
Didn't she tell you to wait here for her?
- Kasumi
I'll be back soon~♪
- Tae
Bring back souvenirs.
- Rimi
She disappeared...
- Saaya
It couldn't be more obvious how excited she is to get back downtown.
- Rimi
Today is the day we ask for permission to perform live. I'm a little nervous myself.
- Tae
Nervous. But excited.
- Saaya
We have to be brave. We need to get our feelings heard.
- Tae
I'm filling up with motivation already.
- Rimi
I just hope it all goes well...
- Kasumi
I'm back~! Here's your souvenir - Arisa♪
- Arisa
Good afternoon to you all.
- Tae
And to you. ... She's angry.
- Rimi
She's definitely angry.
- Kasumi
She is? Are you?
- Arisa
I'm pretty sure I told you to wait in your classroom after school.
- Kasumi
I just couldn't wait another second to see you♪
- Arisa
That does not make it any better.
- Saaya
She just loves you that much, Arisa.
- Kasumi
Exactly right~♪
- Tae
Everyone loves Arisa.
- Arisa
Actual living hell.
- Saaya
If we're all here then, let's head downtown.
- Kasumi
Okay! To the battlefield!
- Tae
We fight.
- Kasumi
It's beggin' time!!
- Arisa
Quiet, you.
- Rimi
H-hello there.
- Man
Oh? It's you girls, from before...?
- Saaya
We would like to apologize for the other day.
- Tae
Do you have a moment to speak with us?
- Rimi
We have something we really need to tell you...
- People
Something important, is it?
- Arisa
Go on, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
Okay! We've come to ask about the town festival!
- People
The canceled festival, you mean?
- Kasumi
Exactly!
- Man
I believe the gentleman from the city office informed us all that he had nothing more to say on the matter.
- Saaya
He did. And that is why we are here to ask a favor...
- Kasumi
We want to perform live!
- People
Perform live...?
- Tae
The five of us are in a band.
- Rimi
W-we're Poppin'Party!
- Arisa
We want to perform at the festival. Would you please put it back on?
- People
Nothing would please us more. But I'm afraid it's simply not possible...
- Rimi
Please! If you say it's impossible, we'll have to give up!
- Saaya
There are a lot of people looking forward to this festival. None of us want it to be canceled.
- Arisa
If you let us perform, we promise to make this year's festival the most amazing one yet.
- Tae
We'll give it 110%.
- Rimi
We won't let you down! Just, please, give us a chance...!
- Kasumi
Everyone, please! Let us perform for you!
- Man
To be asked with such passion from young girls such as you.
- People
We all want to see the festival go on as planned, too.
- Man
... Okay. If you wouldn't mind it being a relatively small affair, we can hold the festival again this year.
- Kasumi
Really?!
- Rimi
Thank you so much! Ah, but... the budget...
- Man
You just leave the finances to us!
- Saaya
And what about next year...?
- People
Without designated funding from the city, next year will be an impossible stretch without doubt.
- Man
But if we can put on a real show this year and gather all manner of people, perhaps the city suits will finally change their minds.
- Kasumi
So this is our final chance!
- Tae
Lots of pressure. But we won't give in.
- Arisa
Are you kidding? We'll make this the best festival anyone's ever seen.
- Saaya
Thank you all so much for your help!
- People
We're counting on you. And we'll all be looking forward to your performance.
- All
Okay!
The people Downtown agree with the girls and reinstate the festival. Can the girls make a good festival theme song?!
- Saaya
Thanks again, everyone.
- Kasumi
... We did it!
- Rimi
Ahh, I was so nervous~...
- Tae
You did great, Rimi.
- Kasumi
You said everything just perfect! I think you really moved them all back there♪
- Rimi
I could only do it because all of you were there to support me.
- Arisa
You were great. We all were.
- Saaya
This is just the beginning, though.
- Arisa
I hope you understand what this means, Kasumi.
- Kasumi
Huh? What what means?
- Arisa
If this festival isn't perfect, there won't be another one. Ever.
- Rimi
He did say this was our last chance... Are we really sure we can do it?
- Saaya
I think the folks at the community center are going to be paying out of pocket... We cannot let them down.
- Tae
We've come this far. We have to keep going.
- Kasumi
We can do it!
- Arisa
Easier said than done. This is a whole festival we're talking about here.
- Kasumi
And I know we can do it♪ With all of us working together it'll be no problem!
- Saaya
It's like Rimi-rin said. It's something only we five can do.
- Kasumi
Exactly! There's no way I could do this all by myself♪
- Tae
Teamwork made this happen.
- Rimi
Now we know the festival is coming back, next we need to focus on our performance!
- Arisa
It's not like we have any choice any more.
- Tae
Time for another strategy meeting?
- Kasumi
Great idea! Let's strategize!
- Saaya
We've still got some time left. Let's go somewhere to think.
- Kasumi
Let's go, let's go♪
- Kasumi
Wow~♪
- Saaya
This place has the best chiffon cake.
- Rimi
They're all homemade, too. Delicious♪
- Arisa
... I guess it's not bad. The five of us out together like this.
- Tae
Our own happy moment...
- Kasumi
Ogeh, leff ftar duh hftraferdy eedin~!
- Arisa
Nope. Didn't catch a word. Eat or speak, pick one.
- Kasumi
Sorry, sorry. They're just too good to stop. Okay, let's start the strategy meeting~!
- Arisa
Right. Go on then.
- Kasumi
We can't just get up there and start playing. We have to do all kinds of preparation first!
- Saaya
We should plan it all out, step by step.
- Tae
So we don't get all in a panic later on.
- Arisa
Wait, wait. I'll take notes. So we check our instruments, then go on stage...
- Rimi
Should we talk a little before we start playing?
- Arisa
With the audience, you mean? We'll need to decide where to stand and what to say, then.
- Kasumi
Oh, oh! And we should sparkle, and twinkle, and shine!
- Arisa
Sparkle, twinkle, shine... Next.
- Tae
We should do something to make the whole community happy.
- Arisa
Something to make everyone happy. Something fun.
- Saaya
It would be a great way to show our appreciation for all the work they are doing for us with the festival.
- Rimi
Plus our performance should carry that message, too.
- Tae
Definitely. Very important.
- Kasumi
Arisa~! Did you write down my sparkling heart-pounding?
- Arisa
Yes, now shush. I've heard all your suggestions. Here's what I think.
- Arisa
If we just get up there, sing our song and say goodbye, we're only going to entertain people for a short amount of time.
- Arisa
I think we should create something new. A theme song for the whole festival.
- Kasumi
A theme song?!
- Arisa
We haven't got much time. But hey, we can do anything, right?
- Tae
Anything.
- Rimi
That's a wonderful idea, Arisa-chan! Let's write a new song♪
- Saaya
That should definitely please the community, too.
- Arisa
It's decided, then?
- Kasumi
It's decided!
- Kasumi
A new Poppin'Party original song... Let's make it sparkle!!
- Rimi, Tae & Saaya
Yeah~♪
- Arisa
This is a public place, you know. ... They're not listening.
The girls are eager to compose the festival song and practice for their performance, but have no place to do it. What will they do?!
- Saaya
A new song for the festival... I suppose now we figure out how to actually write it.
- Kasumi
What do you mean? We'll just write it together, like always.
- Arisa
Of course we will. The problem is time. We can't be wasting any of it right now.
- Rimi
Y-you're right. If we want to practice too, we'll have to hurry.
- Tae
We'll have to focus.
- Kasumi
Focus!
- Tae
Exactly. Just focus on the song. If we can do that, we'll be finished in no time.
- Arisa
Even so...
- Kasumi
... Ah!
- Rimi
Kasumi-chan?
- Kasumi
Fufu~. I just had an amazing idea~.
- Saaya
What is it?
- Kasumi
A retreat! We should all take a songwriting retreat!
- Kasumi
We can all go away somewhere together and spend the whole night just working on the song!
- Rimi
Wow...!
- Tae
Great idea...!
- Arisa
That is... terrible, actually. Hold on a minute. Go away? Go away where, exactly?
- Kasumi
To the seaside!
- Tae
To the mountains!
- Arisa
That's not what I meant! I mean how are we going to organize something like this?
- Saaya
Hmm. Even if we booked a place right now, we still wouldn't get everything prepared in time...
- Rimi
It'll cost us a lot of money, too...
- Kasumi
Hrm... You're right. ... We could get jobs?
- Saaya
The whole problem is we don't have enough time. We can't spend what time we have working, can we?
- Rimi
That is a shame... I was looking forward to going away together...
- Tae
Me too.
- Kasumi
Hrm... We need somewhere close by and open. Somewhere that won't cost us any money.
- Saaya
That's also big and soundproofed. If we want to practice, I mean.
- Kasumi
Hrm...
- Arisa
Well that's just impossible, so there's no point even thinking.
- Kasumi
... I've got it! I know where we can go!
- Rimi
R-really? Where?
- Kasumi
Here! Arisa's house!
- Arisa
Hah. ... Wait, you're serious?!
- Saaya
I dunno... I think it's a good idea.
- Arisa
Huh?
- Tae
It fits all the specs. Close, open, big, soundproof.
- Saaya
All we need now is her family's permission.
- Arisa
Wh-what...?
- Kasumi
Please, Arisa!
- Rimi
Arisa-chan! Please!
- Arisa
Stop with the begging! It's not making this any easier...
- Kasumi
Aww~...
- Arisa
......!
- Arisa
Okay, fine! Fine! If there's really no other option... I'll go ask my grandma.
- Kasumi
You will?!
- Arisa
I'll ask, sure. But if she says no, then the answer's no. And I'll warn you now, don't go getting your hopes up!
- Kasumi
Thanks, Arisa~!
- Rimi
Thank you!
- Saaya
... I think we can get our hopes up a little. Fufu.
- Tae
Arisa's too kind.
- Kasumi
She is! She really is!
- Arisa
Enough with all that! Flattery will get you nowhere!
- Saaya
Arisa didn't come to school again today.
- Kasumi
I wonder what her grandma said about the retreat... Oh, I just got a message from her! "Come to Hazawa Coffee. Bring the others."
- Rimi
I wonder what it could be...
- Arisa
There you are.
- Kasumi
Arisa! How did it go...?
- Arisa
Here.
- Kasumi
... Wah! What is it? A key?
- Arisa
This weekend. Saturday and Sunday.
- Kasumi
Huh...?
- Arisa
You're the one in charge, so you take the key. Don't come crying to me if something happens.
- Kasumi
...!
- Rimi
Does that mean...?
- Arisa
... Just make sure you don't disturb the neighbors.
- Kasumi
... Ya~y! We got our retreat~!!
- Arisa
Th-that is exactly what I don't want you to do at my place!
The girls meet in Arisa's basement to discuss the theme of the song. What will Kasumi decide?
- Kasumi
Good morning, everyone~! Time for us to enjoy our songwriting retreat!
- Arisa
So loud, so early.
- Saaya
There she is. Good morning.
- Rimi
Good morning, Arisa-chan. Thanks again for letting us stay.
- Arisa
Uhh, Kasumi? Rimi? What's the matter with you two? You're never normally this formal when you come over.
- Tae
It's a retreat.
- Kasumi
Exactly! A retreat! It's not like our normal hangout, is it?!
- Arisa
Loud, too loud... At least you're not being rude, I guess.
- Mami
Welcome, welcome. Please, enjoy your stay.
- Kasumi
Ah, Arisa's grandma! Thanks so much for letting us stay here!
- Mami
Oh, don't mention it. I'll bring you some drinks down to the basement. Is juice okay?
- Arisa
You don't have to wait on us, grandma.
- Arisa
Come on, let's get started. You brought the basement key, right leader?
- Kasumi
Sure did! It's right... erm... huh...
- Rimi
Ah...?
- Kasumi
Oh wait, wrong pocket! Here it is! Phew~!
- Tae
My heart skipped a beat.
- Arisa
... You're lucky you found it...
- Saaya
Okay then. Let's start with the lyrics. I suppose we'll just brainstorm ideas together first?
- Kasumi
Okay! Well, it's a town festival, right? So we should include stuff about the town!
- Arisa
A surprisingly good idea.
- Kasumi
Fufu~♪
- Rimi
I'm... not sure how we can sing about the town, though...
- Kasumi
Huh? Oh, hrm...♪ Kitazawa Butcher's croquettes~♪ Hot, crunchy and oh-so delicious~♪ Each one just 86 yen plus tax~♪
- Saaya
Haha. I think that's more a commercial than a song.
- Kasumi
... No good?
- Tae
I liked it.
- Arisa
Nope, no good at all. I can already picture that city suit's smug face. We're gonna need something better than that.
- Rimi
Something better... Maybe a more serious topic...?
- Tae
Love.
- Kasumi, Arisa, Saaya & Rimi
Love?!
- Tae
Of all humankind.
- Kasumi
Too serious!
- Saaya
From croquettes to humanity... That's quite a jump.
- Rimi
I-I think we need something a little more simple... I know about chocolate cornets, at least...
- Tae
Love is too hard.
- Saaya
I think we need something people can relate to. That'll be what makes them truly happy, too.
- Kasumi
Something relatable... to make a happy festival... Hrm...
- Saaya
... Wow. It's getting dark already. How do we look, Kasumi?
- Kasumi
Mmm... It's not looking good.
- Tae
The melody is coming along.
- Rimi
I'm sorry, Kasumi-chan. We all got so focused on the melody, we didn't come up with any lyric ideas...
- Arisa
At least we came up with something though, right? Anyway, we should probably start getting ready for dinner.
- Kasumi
Ah! Dinner! We're all gonna make it together, right?!
- Arisa
Of course. I'm not asking grandma to make food for six. You're free to use the kitchen. Just don't mess it up.
- Kasumi
I won't~! Fufu, this is gonna be so much fun~!
- Kasumi, Tae & Rimi
Itadakima~su!
- Saaya
This is good. I know it's just a regular curry, but it tastes so much better knowing we all made it together.
- Tae
Arisa's chopped vegetables look like perfect little dice.
- Arisa
I just don't like them being all misshapen. ... Like this giant piece of potato! Kasumi!
- Kasumi
Congrats Arisa, you got the bonus one~♪
- Arisa
The bonus one...? You seem pretty relaxed for someone who hasn't thought up any lyrics yet. It's almost night time!
- Kasumi
Ah!
- Rimi
Oh, wow... Today has gone by so quickly.
- Tae
Time flies...
- Arisa
Like an arrow.
- Tae
That's the one.
- Saaya
I think I prefer "when you're having fun." We've just been enjoying ourselves so much.
- Kasumi
You're right. But I feel like that every day. Ever since I met you guys, every day has gone by so quickly, like a shooting star!
- Rimi
I think... I feel the same. I think about it after practice. How much I wish we could just stay together like this...
- Saaya
We should all cherish these moments. We're so lucky to be able to spend time with great friends like this, you know?
- Tae
I know. I'm glad I was invited.
- Kasumi
Hehe. Aren't you glad we both stayed behind after home ec that time, O-Tae?
- Tae
It was a blessing in disguise. ... What about you, Arisa?
- Arisa
Me? I... don't really...
- Arisa
Well, I mean... It's not the worst time ever, I guess. Being together with you guys.
- Kasumi
Ah!
- Saaya
Kasumi? What is it?
- Kasumi
This is it! This is what the lyrics should be!
- Kasumi
We should sing about friendship! About being happy that we all have each other! It's the perfect way to bring everyone together at the festival!
The girls spend the night at Arisa's basement and keep working on the festival song. How will it turn out...?
- Kasumi
Whew~♪ That was a nice bath~!
- Saaya
You sure took your time. Me and Rimi-rin were worried you'd drowned.
- Kasumi
Sorry~. I did kind of fall asleep for a bit.
- Rimi
Well, you did work so hard today, Kasumi-chan.
- Kasumi
All that thinking really tired me out~!
- Saaya
I'm just glad we managed to get the lyrics finished. All that's left is to match it up with the melody. ... That's still quite a big task, though.
- Kasumi
Come on guys, we've come this far! We'll get right back to it tomorrow! Right, Saaya? Rimi-rin?
- Rimi
Right!
- Saaya
We should probably get some sleep, then.
- Tae
I laid out the beds.
- Kasumi
Thanks, O-Tae! Shotgun this one!
- Kasumi
Kasumi Dive♪
- Arisa
Oi, don't jump on the beds.
- Kasumi
Haha! But they're so soft and warm~.
- Tae
She'll sleep well tonight.
- Arisa
That's good. I think I might turn in, too. I'm feeling tired myself.
- Kasumi
Can we please, though... have just a little pillow fight?
- Arisa
Go to bed.
- Kasumi
I will! But I mean, this is kind of a slumber party, right? We can't just go straight to bed like this, can we~?
- Rimi
She does have a point...
- Arisa
I don't see where pillow fighting comes into this. You're not an actual child, are you?
- Tae
Hya!
- Arisa
Ow. ... You're gonna regret that!
- Tae
Caught it. Kasumi, catch.
- Kasumi
Nice pass! Here we go~! Hya~!
- Saaya
Wah! Hey, come on, why me~?
- Kasumi
Join in, Saaya! Come on~!
- Saaya
... Okay, but just a little. Catch, Rimi-rin!
- Rimi
Huh? M-me~?!
- Kasumi
Whew... Now that was fun.
- Arisa
Ahh... phew... Look at the time... Have you finally had enough now? I'm turning out the lights.
- Saaya
Go ahead~.
- Kasumi
......
- Kasumi
... Anyone else just get wide awake as soon as it goes dark?
- Arisa
No. Sleep.
- Tae
Time for a ghost story. This is a true story, from my cousin's friend's coworker...
- Rimi
Gulp...
- Arisa
Boring~. I'm going to sleep. All the way to sleep.
- Rimi
Me too... I... I... *yawn~*...
- Kasumi
Aww. Okay. Good night, everyone.
- Saaya
Mmm. Night.
- Kasumi
......
- Kasumi
... Saaya?
- Kasumi
Arisa? Rimi-rin? ... Are you all asleep?
- Tae
What is it, Kasumi?
- Kasumi
I can't get to sleep.
- Tae
... Are you worried about the song?
- Kasumi
No, it's not that. I'm excited. I'm excited to hear what we've created. And I'm just sure it's gonna be heart-pounding.
- Tae
Me too. With the five of us working hard, it's sure to be great. I bet they all feel the same, too.
- Kasumi
Yeah... Yeah, you're right. Okay! Back to it tomorrow!
- Tae
Tomorrow. Good night...
- Kasumi
~♪
- Rimi
... Did we do it?
- Kasumi
We did it! We did the whole song! It's finished~!
- Saaya
Great. Well done everyone. I'm so glad we got it all done in time~...
- Arisa
It's already evening, though. All Kasumi's playing around last night left me tired all day. *yawn~*...
- Kasumi
I'm sorry~. But at least we got it done! Now we can sleep all we want tonight~!
- Saaya
We do have school tomorrow, after all.
- Kasumi
Oh right, yeah...
- Rimi
Fufu. Be careful not to oversleep.
The girls ask city officers to take part in the festival. What will they say?!
- Kasumi
Ahh... I'm getting nervous. I really hope this goes well.
- Rimi
I-it will. If we ask strongly and politely, the man from the city office is sure to understand.
- Arisa
I dunno.That man is the embodiment of these city suit types. I bet when we try to invite him, he'll tell us how it's "out of office hours" or something.
- Kasumi
If that happens...
- Rimi
If that happens...?
- Kasumi
We'll just have to ask even harder!
- Arisa
Yeah, great plan. There's gotta be a better way. Maybe something less pushy.
- Tae
Pushy is the Kasumi way.
- Kasumi
Yeah! If pushing doesn't work, you push again, and harder!
- Arisa
... Right. I guess you stick with what you're used to, huh. If anything they should understand pressure tactics anyway.
- Kasumi
Okay. Let's go! Excuse me~!
- Tae
We're coming in.
- Rimi
I-I don't think they need a warning...
- Kasumi
Hello~? Is the city man...? No, wait, I mean...
- Saaya
Is the City Office Community Promotions manager here today?
- Man
I thought I heard some lively young voices. The manager is currently in a meeting out the back. It appears he's willing to rethink the festival cancellation.
- Tae
Really? Thank you very much.
- Man
At least, that is the rumor...
- City Worker
Oh... It's you five again. What can I help you with now? I'm afraid I don't have much time for the public today.
- Arisa
(Says the city suit standing in a local community center...)
- Kasumi
Umm... We have something to ask you!
- City Worker
And what might that be? I do hope it isn't about budgeting again. I have nothing more to say on the matter.
- Kasumi
It's not the budget... it's the festival itself! We would really love for you to be there!
- City Worker
Oh, I see. Well, I'm afraid I'll be too busy with the station rebuild.
- Saaya
So, you won't come?
- Arisa
You're the one deciding if the festivals return or not, aren't you? But you're not even gonna come and see how it goes?
- City Worker
I'll receive detailed reports after the event regarding attendance and sales, which shall be more than enough for me to make my decision.
- Kasumi
No it won't!
- City Worker
...?
- Kasumi
It won't be enough at all. You have to come and see it for yourself!
- Tae
It's the same for any performance. You never truly experience it until you feel the atmosphere yourself.
- City Worker
Yes, well, that may be the case... However, as I mentioned, I already have plans.
- City Worker
You must understand my position. I am a mediator, I make decisions based on facts. Staying one step removed keeps me fair and impartial.
- Arisa
Always with an answer...
- Saaya
What do you think, Kasumi? It looks like we're about done here.
- Kasumi
Hrm~...
- City Worker
If you'll excuse me. I have a number of matters that need attending to.
- Man
Excuse me, sir. We really do wish you would attend, if only for a moment.
- Kasumi
...!
- Man
These girls have worked so hard for the festival. So much that they even started rubbing off on us here, too.
- Man
Forget budgets, forget decisions. This is a matter of adults showing their appreciation for the efforts of the young.
- City Worker
Mmm...
- Rimi
... P-please! We're doing our absolute best!
- Kasumi
Please!
- City Worker
... Fine. If only just to make sure I don't hear of this again. I will make a brief appearance at the festival.
- Kasumi
You will?!
- Arisa
There had to be a better way to say that...
- Saaya
Well, the important thing is that he's said he'll come.
- Rimi
H-here! It's the festival program! We'll be performing our own live show...!
- Kasumi
We wrote a new song, just for the festival! We really hope you'll come and listen to it!
- City Worker
... Will that be all? If so, I shall excuse myself.
- Arisa
He really is the worst, that guy.
- Kasumi
Oh, and thank you so much for helping us back there!
- Man
We just want to do all we can to help. Did you really create a whole new song? I am amazed you found the time.
- Tae
We spent all of last weekend on a songwriting retreat. We worked night and day.
- Kasumi
It's a really, really great song! I just can't wait for everyone here to hear it!
- Man
Well, we're all very excited, too. We'll do our best to make the festival as grand as possible.
- Saaya
Does it look like you'll be ready in time?
- Man
It does. Everyone has been working hard at it. It looks like we'll have just enough stalls out, too. Including the candy one.
- Kasumi
Really? The candy stall will be there?!
- Rimi
Kasumi-chan! That's wonderful!
- Kasumi
It is! It really is! We can finally make our Poppin'Party star candy!!
The festival has begun, and the girls enjoy visiting the food stands. What will they do when they're told their show is cancelled?!
- Kasumi
It's festival time~!!
- Rimi
Wow... L-look at all the people!
- Arisa
No kidding. I did not expect all of this...
- Saaya
I spoke to someone from the community center, they said there's twice the usual number of people here this year.
- Tae
Incredible.
- Rimi
But why this year, though? Everything is more or less the same as usual...
- Saaya
I guess everyone was just so pleased to hear the festival wasn't being canceled after all... Word must have spread very fast.
- Saaya
A lot of people probably hadn't even realized the festival was in any kind of danger in the first place.
- Rimi
And so they all came... because it may be the last time?
- Tae
That might be true for some. I don't think anyone wants the festival canceled.
- Arisa
Looks like all that hard work was worth it at least. Right, Kasumi? ... Kasumi? Where is she?
- Kasumi
Hey, guys! Look! Ring toss! And over here, ball scooping! Come on, let's play~!
- Arisa
She's lost it...
- Saaya
We still have some time before the show. Let's have some fun while we're here.
- Tae
Agreed. Let's hit every stall. Cotton candy, yakisoba, hot dogs...
- Rimi
Y-you're going to eat all of that before the show...?
- Kasumi
Rimi-rin~! Can I have a bite of your candy apple? I'll give you one takoyaki for it!
- Rimi
Okay~. There you go, Kasumi-chan.
- Kasumi
Thanks! *nom* ... Ahh~! Delicious~!
- Arisa
The food stalls at these festivals sell pretty ordinary stuff, but for some reason, you just wanna eat it all when you get here.
- Saaya
It's all about the atmosphere. Not what you eat, but where.
- Tae
Same for a live show. You don't hear it, you feel it.
- Kasumi
With friends too, of course!
- Arisa
This friend's telling you you've got food all over your mouth. Please promise me you won't get up on stage looking like that.
- Tomoe
Hey.
- Saaya
Ah, Tomoe!
- Tomoe
I heard you were the ones who brought the festival back.
- Rimi
Th-that's not entirely true... We just asked if there was any way it could return... The people from the community center did the real work.
- Tomoe
Even so. You're the ones who spoke up, stood strong and got everyone else to follow.
- Tomoe
That's not something just anyone can do. You should be proud.
- Kasumi
Hehehe... You're making me blush~.
- Kasumi
Oh, right! We'll be performing live soon! You should come and listen! Here, take a program!
- Tomoe
A live show...? Huh.
- Tae
It'll be great. I hope you enjoy it.
- Tomoe
Yeah, I'm sure I will. I'll call Ran and the others, we'll all come and watch!
- Arisa
... Speaking of which. We should probably be getting ready, you know.
- Kasumi
Is it that time already?
- Saaya
... Wow, it is. We got carried away at the stalls. Come on, we should get going.
- Tae
But I didn't get to see it all yet... Ah. Kasumi, look.
- Kasumi
What is it, O-Tae? ... Ah!
- Rimi
The candy stall...! It's so popular, it's completely surrounded by little kids.
- Saaya
I'm so glad they got to enjoy it again. Right, Kasumi?
- Kasumi
Yeah. ... But it's not over yet.
- Arisa
... You're right. We still don't know what'll happen next year.
- Kasumi
Then let's go and make this show so amazing that they just have to let the festival go on!
- Rimi
Yeah, okay!
- Tae
Let's go. The stage awaits.
- Saaya
Sorry we kept you waiting. Are we all ready to go?
- Man
Hm... Oh, it's you guys. The thing is... there has actually been a problem.
- Rimi
...? What is it...?
- Man
Well...
- City Worker
Allow me to explain.
- Arisa
Ugh. There he is.
- City Worker
... You did insist I attend.
- City Worker
Anyway. A complaint was filed this morning to city office. "Excessively loud disturbance heard downtown," it read.
- Saaya
A complaint...?!
- Kasumi
B-but... what does that mean for us...?
- City Worker
Our job is to protect the rights and needs of our citizens, that they may live their lives in peace and comfort.
- City Worker
Any acts that may disturb that peace - say, for example, live band performances - are henceforth forbidden.
- Rimi
Ah...
- Arisa
What?!
- Kasumi
You mean... we can't perform our show?!
With the support of the people Downtown and the festival-goers, will city officers change their minds...?!
- Kasumi
Sigh... We've come so far, and now we can't perform...
- Arisa
I bet there wasn't ever any complaint.
- Saaya
At least the festival didn't get canceled again, I suppose...
- Tae
... This sucks.
- Rimi
Kasumi-chan... What do we do now?
- Kasumi
Hrm... ... Okay, I got it!
- Saaya
Got it? Got what?
- Kasumi
We'll go and speak to whoever complained. We'll apologize... and we'll explain how important it is that we perform today!
- Arisa
And how do you plan on doing that? We have no idea who sent the complaint. Even if we did know, why would they listen to us?
- Saaya
I think Arisa's right. But still... we can't just stand here doing nothing.
- Rimi
E-exactly. We got the festival brought back because we never once gave up. We just have to try again...!
- Tae
It might be worth a shot.
- Kasumi
... Saaya, Rimi-rin, O-Tae! Thank you! And Arisa...
- Arisa
I-I'm not saying we shouldn't try! Anyway... I hate the idea of that city suit getting his way like this. Let's stick it to him!
- Kasumi
Phew~! Thank you, Arisa! ... Huh? Is that Michelle?
- Arisa
What?
- Michelle
......
- Rimi
Is she beckoning us over...?
- Tae
I think she is.
- Michelle
......
- Saaya
I think she wants us to follow her.
- Kasumi
Weird... Let's see what she wants.
- Man
Oh, I'm so glad you're all still here.
- Saaya
Michelle found us and lead us back here... Is something the matter?
- Man
Nothing is the matter, no. I wanted you to hear the sound of the crowd gathered at the stage.
- Rimi
At the stage...?
- Kid's Voice
Wasn't there gonna be a band or something?
- Man's Voice
Maybe it got canceled. Shame, I was kinda looking forward to it...
- Girl's Voice
They're the girls from the Hanasakigawa School Festival, right? I really wanted to hear them perform again~.
- Tae
All those people, excited for our show.
- Man
Your performance was the highlight of the evening. We even pulled some strings to help spread the word about it.
- Saaya
You did...?
- Kasumi
I just want to be allowed to perform...
- Arisa
We all do. And we have so many people out there waiting to hear us, and still...!
- Arisa
Take a look at the crowd out there. See for yourself.
- City Worker
What are you trying to say?
- Arisa
Your community is out here enjoying the festival. They're out there waiting for our show.
- Arisa
You're supposed to be in charge of community events, right? Yet all you've done is cancel and destroy and ruin any fun these people try to have.
- City Worker
That's not quite---
- Man
Sir. I believe these young girls are right. It is easy to take things away just because you do not like them.
- Tae
But you'll be taking away the people's happiness. Leaving only... sadness.
- Man
We will deal with the noise complaint ourselves, and I will personally take full responsibility. Please, just let these girls perform.
- City Worker
......
- City Worker
... Fine. But if anything happens, you'll be hearing from the city office.
- Arisa
Wait...
- Kasumi
So...?
- City Worker
So you'd better get out on stage and create a great deal more noise.
- Kasumi
... Yay!!
- Rimi
Th-thank you so much!
- Tae
Let's go, Kasumi. Everyone.
- Kasumi
Okay! Come on, guys! It's time to play~!!
- Kasumi
Hello everyone! We're Poppin'Party!
- Kasumi
We're sorry we kept you all waiting like this. Thank you so much for coming out here today! Are you all enjoying the festival~?
- Kasumi
This festival... it was due to be canceled this year. But now we're here, the community center folks are here, and you guys...
- Tomoe
......
- Kasumi
... And us! We're all here together! And we all made this the best festival ever!
- Saaya
Fufu. Kasumi, Kasumi. You should probably put the audience last, right?
- Kasumi
I know, I just... I really wanted to say thanks to all of you. Thank you, Saaya! Thank you, Rimi-rin!
- Saaya
Sure.
- Rimi
Hehe...
- Kasumi
Thank you, O-Tae!
- Tae
......
- Kasumi
And thank you, Ari-
- Arisa
I get it, we all get it! Now get on with the show already!
- Kasumi
Oh, yeah, of course! I'm sorry!
- Kasumi
This is a song that we all wrote together. We'd like to perform it for all of you today to show our great appreciation.
- Kasumi
So please listen... to Happy Happy Party!
With their show a success, the girls take the opportunity to enjoy the festival. Will they finally get to make star candy?
- Kasumi
Whew... We did it...
- Tae
We really did it.
- Rimi
I... I'm so tired...
- Arisa
That'll be the three encores we, for some reason, performed...
- Kasumi
Hey come on, they enjoyed it! And it was super fun, right?
- Tae
It was.
- Arisa
... Okay, I'll admit that much. Yeah... It was fun.
- Saaya
Kasumi~. Everyone. I know we all just want to relax right now. But we don't want the stalls to close on us, do we?
- Kasumi
... Ah! The candy stall! Our star candy!
- Saaya
That's right! We got so caught up in all the trouble, we completely forgot. We've got to hurry!
- Kasumi
She's right! Come on!
- Tae
Let's go.
- Kasumi
Mmm... Just a little... more...
- Arisa
Hey, hold on, you're all bent over that side. It's starting to look more scar than star.
- Kasumi
It's just so difficult~. Help me out here, Arisa~!
- Rimi
Wow... Saaya-chan, yours is perfectly shaped!
- Saaya
I mean, my family are all bakers. ... What are you making there, Tae?
- Tae
Kasumi.
- Kasumi
What...?
- Tae
And Arisa.
- Arisa
That round-faced one is me?!
- Saaya
Oh yeah, wow! They look just like us! Very cute, very cute.
- Arisa
I'm pretty sure that's not a compliment.
- City Worker
... Oh. You five.
- Kasumi
Ah... Was there something else, or...?
- City Worker
No, I was merely passing by. ... Oh. About next year's festival...
- Kasumi
...!
- Arisa
(Just passing by, as if. Has he come to tell us there's no festival next year...?)
- City Worker
If you intend to perform again, you'll need to apply for written permission in advance. I'll not have any more noise complaints.
- Arisa
Huh?
- Tae
Does that mean...?
- Rimi
We can... have another festival next year?
- City Worker
Seeing this many people here, I really have no choice. I'm on the people's side, you know. And I promise you the festival will continue for many years to come.
- City Worker
... If I'm being honest, I underestimated you girls. Your enthusiasm, your spirit, your togetherness... It's as if you have some sort of-
- Tae
Bond.
- City Worker
Hmm?
- Kasumi
Hehe, she's right. This was all thanks to a very special bond we share.
- City Worker
A very special bond... Just as we work to protect the people of this city, so do you five have your own calling. I feel I learned something today.
- Arisa
Just come out and say you lost already. Is it so hard to accept your own feelings?
- Saaya
Fufu. Really, Arisa? You're the one picking him up on that?
- Rimi
B-but the festival! It's really coming back again next year...!
- Tae
And it sounds like the city will be paying for it, too.
- Kasumi
Hooray! Oh, I'm so happy~! Thank you so much, everyone~!
- Arisa
Blegh, get off me, will you?! It's crowded enough here as it is.
- Saaya
There are still a lot of people around, huh... How about we take our star candies somewhere a little more relaxed?
- Kasumi
Tada~! Poppin'Party star candies~!
- Tae
One for each of us.
- Rimi
They're so cute~. I almost don't want to eat them~.
- Saaya
Don't worry. We can always make them again next year, right?
- Kasumi
Yeah, you bet we'll be doing this again next year!
- Saaya
But however many more festivals come along, I think we'll always remember this one in particular.
- Kasumi
I mean, just so much happened~. And this candy is like a delicious memory of it all!
- Tae
One more memory of the five of us together.
- Rimi
I hope we'll make a lot more memories like this, too. I'm already excited for next year's festival♪
- Arisa
Just the festival~?
- Kasumi
The live shows, too!
- Tae
And the music. We'll write more songs together.
- Saaya
I guess that means more retreats, then. Isn't that right, Arisa?
- Arisa
Blegh... Let's find somewhere else to stay next time.
- Rimi
How about a vacation? That might be fun...
- Kasumi
I'm sure whatever we do, as long as we're all together it'll always be fun!
- Kasumi
Because the five of us? We're the very best of friends! Forever and ever~!!
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