Summer Steps

Now that we have decided on a group name, we can move on to my next topic. That is...

"We're joining a league."

"So soon!?"

All of them jumped at me and asked the obvious question. I said that we're going to enter a league, but I didn't said that It has to be now!

"Calm down, and get away from me!"

At my scream, the girls immediately backed down few steps.Yup, that's good. Now I can say what I have to say.

"This is the month of May, right? The tournament I'm planning to enter us is Summer Steps. It's a tournament of Idols held at June, so you still have a month to practice."

I don't know how many participants will be involved. But based from the popularity of Idols, I'd guess the number of participants will be at least 50 groups above.

But regardless, I have to do everything I can to reach the top. Money is still involved here.

"I'll continue. The league's concept is like this."

I took the chart from my bag and posted it at the blackboard.

"This is the concept of the league! We will face an opponent by a random lottery. The two groups that has the same number, will face each other at Round 1. Same goes for Round 2, and so on. After that, we will choose a stadium where we're going to perform. Then, the number of audiences we have will decide the outcome."

This is the concept of the game. But this system... is shrewd! This is a system where beginners will be crushed! First of all, by deciding the outcome by the number of audiences, is too much!

If the group is a beginner, then no one will bother to come at the concert at all! But if you're opponent has build a name from last year's league, then... the audience will flock all over them. The beginners doesn't even have a chance! They will get crushed, mercilessly!

For some reason, this is the only league that's available for almost 3 years now. This is the only contest that's being held! Who knows how long It'll be to have a new league different from this one?! That's why... we need to give it a try. Shrewd or not, this league is still a steppingstone for beginners. If you win this, the next will be easy. But the problem, is this system! It doesn't matter if you're talented or not, you will just get crushed!

Why are they deciding by the number of audiences!? It should be by the judges, right? The only way to have a fair and square fight is when the two groups is fairly popular. But if your opponent is popular and you're just a beginner, there's no way you'll win!

But thinking at it logically, if you faced off with a beginner then It's not bad. At worst, It's a tie. It's still going to be a fair fight if your opponent is a beginner. When I tried to researched it, the last league has a total of 35 beginners and 15 veterans, a total of 50 participants.

That's why I'm certain, that no one suspected this shrewd system! Because if they noticed that It's shrewd, then, they're not going to enter this league.

This is the very first step at this groups popularity. It doesn't matter if they lose or win, as long as they build popularity. If they already built popularity, then the next step would be easy!

"The finals will be decided by the rankings. So If we want to enter at least quarter finals, we need to be at the Top 8!"

This is a fact no one can ignore. Out of 50 participants, you have to be at the Top 8 to at least have popularity. This is going to be a tough nut to crack. For now, since the league is still a month away, all we can do is practice our dance and compose better songs.

I can plan a bit, but that move is also limited. There are still room for improvements, so It's okay!

"Now that I explained all that, the only thing I can tell you is...this league will be a steppingstone for beginners. If you're included at the Top 8, you'll harbor popularity and be an online Idol. Maybe you'll be scouted by a company. Regardless, if you succeed at this league..."

I took a huge breath and slammed the blackboard, indicating that I'm very serious at this.

"many opportunities will open to you!"

Even though It's shrewd, It's the only league left! We can't wait forever for a fair league that might not come. We will seize this! The girls in front of me, looked at each other and nodded.

Ayano Katachi stood up and stretched her left hand.

"Everyone, we're going to make a cheer! A cheer that will make everyone have courage! A cheer where we can believe that we will win!"

At that declaration of Ayano Katachi, Nakano Urara and Yumeko Arimoto stretched their hands too. It's unnecessary and nonsensical for me but I chose to stretch my hands too. Even I want some cheer, you know?

At the count of three, all of us shouted the same thing. It's mysterious how all four of us have the same cheer in mind. Normally, we have different ideas. But at this one time, we share the same thoughts in mind.

"Let's Fight and Go! Cherry Blossoms!"

END OF CHAPTER 7