Scenario:Μ's Third-Years - Our Way Forward

Our Way Forward

The crew brings the third-years back to Tenacie, where they brood over their failed Port Breeze concert. However, their moods slowly begin to brighten as they watch Tenacie school idols earnestly practice in preparation for the competition. At the behest of their peers, the third-years put on an impromptu performance and come to a realization of what they must do to move forward: take it up a notch.

---

Nico: Last time on Love Live! Third-Years final uncap edition!

Nozomi: We were transported to this strange world again. Except this time, only me, Eli-chi, and Nico-cchi were brought over.

Eli: It turned out that the world was losing its connection to school idols.

Nico: To inspire more people to become school idols again, we decided to host a competition on Port Breeze. But things didn't go as planned.

Director: Henceforth, all school idol concerts are banned from this town!

Eli: We ended up being barred from the area!

Nozomi: With everything that's happened, I hope we'll be able to host our school idol festival eventually...

The crew retreats from Port Breeze and returns to Tenacie. There they share news of what occurred with the town's mayor.

Mayor: That's certainly an unfortunate series of events.

Eli: I'm so sorry. We tried to help, but all we did was make things worse...

Mayor: ...

Mayor: Never forget that it was μ's who brought school idols to our town when we had nothing else to our name.

Mayor: So please don't blame yourselves. You've already done more than enough for us.

Nozomi: Miss Mayor...

Mayor: Thank you for trying your best. You're welcome to stay here as long as you like and rest up.

The three idols exit the mayor's home and, instead of joining (Captain) and the others, go for a walk around town by themselves.

Nico: I know the mayor meant what she said, but...

Eli: There's no sugarcoating it. We made a huge mistake, and everyone knows it.

Director: You've proved to me that school idols are nothing but a nuisance—children playing at the performing arts.

Director: Do yourself a favor and leave this town. Farewell, μ's.

Nozomi: There has to be something we can do about that ban.

Eli: We can't afford to leave it alone either. The reputation of school idols everywhere is on the line.

Nico: Sigh... It's going to be hard to look everyone in the eyes until we fix things.

Dragging their feet, they wind up near the town's stage.

Nozomi: Oh. Looks like they're all practicing.

School Idol 1: Hmm... I think we should make sure we're in sync during this step.

School Idol 2: Okay! One more time from the top!

Nico: Huh... They seem surprisingly chipper.

Nico Fan: It's all thanks you guys! As soon as I told them we're going to have a big festival, they perked right up!

Nico: O-oh. That's, uh, great to hear.

School Idol 1: Hey, it's μ's! Good timing! Can you give us any pointers?

School Idol 2: We're kinda having trouble keeping the same tempo. If we want to beat the competition though, we're gonna have to fix that!

Eli: Actually, about that... The competition—

Nozomi: Is going to be great! But if you really want an edge up on everyone else, I hope you're prepared for some strict instruction.

Eli: N-Nozomi?

Nozomi: The festival's not cancelled for certain, right?

Nozomi: And a bit of exercise might be just what we need to relax and get our ideas flowing again!

Nico: Nozomi, you...

Nico: You know what? You're not wrong. Beats standing around feeling sorry for ourselves at any rate.

Under Nozomi's guidance, the school idols are rounded up for a special practice session.

Nico: Turn here and pose! Then give a Nico-tastic smile!

Nico Fan: Wow... You're so awesome, Nico!

Nico Fan: My turn now. Hup!

Nico: Yeah, you're getting the hang of it! Now for a hundred more reps.

Nico Fan: One hundred? You're such a hard worker!

Nico: I'm not doing it alone! Follow my lead, and we'll be making the whole world smile in no time.

Nico Fan: So cool too... I hope I can be like you one day...

Nico: You're welcome to try, but not many people can keep up with the universe's number one idol!

Nico Fan: Well... You're super talented, but it's not just that either!

Nico: Huh? What do you mean by that?

Nico Fan: I never knew how fun music could be until the first time I heard you sing!

Nico: ...!

Eli: Fun... You really enjoyed it that much?

School Idol 1: Yeah! Your concert changed my life. I knew I had to give the school idol thing a try after!

School Idol 2: It was hard to keep going when everyone was saying all those things and quitting, but I love this too much to give it up.

School Idol 2: Besides, I can't retire before I've poured my heart out into a performance and inspired a crowd like you guys have!

School Idols: So please, teach us as much as you can!

Nozomi: Well, Eli-chi? I don't think we can afford to disappoint them now.

Eli: Nozomi...

Eli: You know, this reminds of the time when Honoka and the others came to ask me for dancing instruction.

Nozomi: Hehe, I was just thinking about that myself. They were all so earnest and eager, exactly like these two here.

Eli: I guess if they're that serious about learning, we can't say no, huh?

Eli: I hope you're all prepared for the coaching of a lifetime!

School Idols: Ma'am, yes, ma'am!

Vyrn: Hey, you think those three're doing okay? They looked pretty bummed out when we dropped 'em off...

Athena: I would like to hope they're doing better now, but that may be wishful thinking.

Medusa: Ugh, they better cheer up soon. Things are pretty boring when that brat doesn't give me lip back.

Lyria: Huh... That sounds like a μ's song, doesn't it? I wonder who's singing.

Curious, (Captain) and crew search for the source of the music.

Third-Years: ...

What they find is a breathtaking performance—the three idols singing and dancing to bright instrumentals.

The lyrics, fitting as they are, speak of pushing forward no matter what obstacles stand in the way.

It's clear it's a heartfelt song made from μ's own challenging experiences.

Nico Fan: You're the best, Nico! I love you, μ's!

School idols from every part of town gather to watch the impromptu concert unfold, drawn by the energy and emotion in the air.

1. You're the best!
2. We love you too!

Choose: You're the best!
Choose: We love you too!

Before long, everyone in the crew joins in the cheering as well.

Vyrn: You guys knocked it outta the park! And just look at how many people came to watch!

Nozomi: We only meant to coach a few girls, but one thing led to another...

Eli: We ended up totally absorbed in the music.

Nico: Thanks to that, though, I feel alive again!

Medusa: Looks like everyone's back to normal, huh? Sheesh... You had me worrying for nothing.

Nozomi: Hehe...

After a cheerful laugh, Nozomi gazes thoughtfully at the stage.

Nozomi: We're not causing a commotion or making a scene. I'm certain now, more than ever, that our songs mean something—they reach people's hearts.

Eli: We've still got a long ways to go, but that doesn't make our music any less valid.

Eli: As for what we do moving forward...

Seeming to come to a conclusion, the third-years look at one another with determination.

Their next move is soon decided.

Our Way Forward: Scene 2

Some time later, Eli, Nozomi, and Nico ascend the same Port Breeze stage as before and apologize to the townspeople. The director offers to revoke the ban so long as the idols are able to hold a concert for the entire town without causing traffic issues, believing it to be an impossible task. However, the idols agree and hop onto the Grandcypher for a concert in the sky, where the inn attendant and director's granddaughter join them. Moved by her granddaughter's smile, the director finally revises her opinion on school idols.

---

Some time has passed since μ's three-idol performance in Tenacie.

Port Breeze is once again awash in commotion.

Director: Explain to me what this flyer is!

Maid: As you may have already noticed, it is an advertisement for μ's. Many of them were posted around town last night.

Director: The nerve... Haven't they learned their lesson yet?

Director: Just what are they planning? There's nothing written on this scrap of paper besides a time, a place, and the ridiculous symbol for their name!

Maid: All the flyers have already been removed from the streets. However, it is too late to stop the news from spreading by word of mouth.

Director: Are they planning to attempt another farce of a performance?
In any case, have everyone available on standby to intercept whatever they have planned.

Maid: At once, madam.

Inn Attendant: μ's is coming back! They haven't given up!

Inn Attendant: We have to do what we can to help too...

The date written on the flyer eventually arrives.

Townsperson 1: Does anyone know what those girls are planning? All their concerts are supposed to be banned, I thought.

Merchant: A bunch of hooligans they are! Starting trouble whenever they feel like and interrupting my business!

Curious townspeople crowd the familiar park, eager to watch the coming event unfold.

Director: If any of you hear a single peep of music, put a stop to it immediately.

The director addresses her private army and commands them near the stage.

Before long, several footsteps approach the raised platform as the clock ticks down to the promised time.

Eli: ...

Nozomi: ...

Nico: ...

Director: They're here.

All eyes are on the idols.

Eli: Hello, everyone. I'd like to start by saying... Our sincerest apologies for the disturbance we caused last time!

Nozomi & Nico: We're truly sorry!

Director: ...!

As the idols bow their heads, the people gathered begin to discuss among themselves.

Townsperson 1: Did they only come here to apologize?

Merchant: Hmph. Guess they have some manners after all.

Eli: We realize that our actions caused trouble for a lot of people.

Eli: And of course, it's no surprise that you might not think very kindly about school idols after that... But please, hear us out!

Nico: There are people in Port Breeze that want to be school idols too! It's not fair for you judge them by our actions!

Nico: And you know what? You can't judge us either! Not until you see what a real μ's concert is like and walk away with a smile!

Director: These girls still want to keep trying?

Maid: ...

Nozomi: We've got a plan in place to perform without causing the same issues.

Nico: We know we're asking a lot, but we're still going to ask it. Give us one more chance!

Nozomi: Please!

Eli & Nico: Please!

Townsperson 1: From an apology to this...

Merchant: They've certainly got guts.

Third-Years: ...!

Merchant: They seem mighty serious about this... Look ready to eat any tomatoes thrown their way too.

Townsperson 2: What do you think? Should we give them one more chance?

Merchant: If they can really pull it off without interfering with my business, well... What's a little noise anyway?

Maid: Madam, what do you think? The citizens appear to be in favor of forgiving the members of μ's.

Director: Of course I don't approve! But if the people wish to give their approval, I can't ignore their expectations.

Director: I know just what to do.

With a calculating look in her eyes, the director climbs onto the stage.

Merchant: Whoa, that's the director, isn't it? You think she's here to stop the gals again?

Townsperson 1: Surely she's going to give them a chance after that apology!

Director: ...

Nozomi: Ma'am...

Director: Thank you for your sincere apology.

Director: However, considering the circumstances, certain conditions need to be met before I can lift the restrictions.

At this, the director's lips curve into a crafty smile.

Director: Firstly, you must promise to never again cause traffic problems with your performances.

Eli: Of course. That's a given.

Director: Then indulge me: how exactly do you plan on gathering people without blocking the roads?

Director: Surely it isn't possible to put a smile on everyone's faces if you have to limit the number of people in your audience.

Nico: So... you'll give your approval so long as we can perform for everyone without making a fuss. Is that it?

Director: Indeed. If you can somehow manage it, then I have no complaints.

Third-Years: ...!

The three idols glance at one another, then stretch their arms toward the sky.

Nozomi: You heard her! Let's get this party started! Spiritual power at max!

Director: ...!
Wh-where...

As soon as the girls leap up, they vanish from view.

Immediately, confused murmurs break out among the crowd.

Townsperson 1: There! Look up!

Director: ...!

The Grandcypher breaks through the clouds, (Captain) and crew on top of its deck.

Below them, the idols dangle on a rope ladder.

Vyrn: Phew... I was worried for a sec there, but we pulled it off without a hitch!

Eli: Thanks, guys! Your timing was perfect!

Director: They transported themselves away on an airship? How absurdly dangerous!

The girls quickly scramble up the ladder and join the crew on deck, Once there, they gaze excitedly down at the town.

Eli: Hello, everyone in Port Breeze! I hope you're ready for a concert in the skies!

Director: In... the skies? Did I hear that correctly?

Nozomi: This way everyone can see us from all directions!

Nozomi: No more traffic jams! Plus, we have the added bonus of flying around like music goddesses! Pretty cool, right?

Merchant: I take back what I said. They're more than serious about this—they're downright crazy!

Townsperson 1: Incredible! I wonder what else they're about to do.

Across the entire town people pause their activities to gaze up at the curious spectacle.

Time seems to freeze as everyone waits for the performance to start.

Nico: Here's a song from us to you, straight to your hearts!

Eli: Please listen... to The Door to our Dreams.

Excited cheering accompanies the music throughout the town.

Director: ...

Stunned, the director stares dumbly at the sky as the sounds fill her ears.

Director: This cacophony of noise... It's a disgrace to music everywhere!

Director: As if I would ever stamp my approval on this charade...

Granddaughter: Are you going to go back on your word then? Look around you. Everyone in town is smiling, just like Nico promised they'd be.

Director: ...!
Child, what are you doing? And who is that girl next to you?

Inn Attendant: Please give us a chance, ma'am! We're going to have our first performance ever!

Director: Your first what?

A familiar shadow falls overhead in that moment as the Grandcypher pulls to a stop and drops the ladder down. The two girls grab on without hesitation.

Maid: Hold still for a moment. I'll tie you both to the safety tethers.

Director: You...

Maid: No frayed ends—check. Ties secure—check. Everything looks to be in order. I'll signal that it's safe to take off.

Granddaughter: Thanks!

Director: Now wait just a moment! I will not have my own granddaughter join those—

Maid: Madam, I would advise you to see them off with grace. She is serious about this.

Director: You... How dare you allow this! What gives you the right?

Maid: The young miss has practiced every day alongside her friend in order to be ready for today. I only ask that you give her the opportunity to show the result of her efforts.

Director: The result of her efforts?

While the maid blocks the director's way, the two girls slowly rise away and into the sky.

Director: Don't tell me you knew they were planning this all along!

Maid: I sincerely apologize for my silence on the matter. But the members of μ's sent me a letter ahead of time asking for my assistance.

Maid: I could not refuse. Not when the young miss so clearly feels a passion for the world of school idols.

Director: She feels that strongly about it?

Director: How... No, that's impossible! I refuse to believe it!

μ's first song finishes right as the young girls climb onto the deck.

Eli: Thank you very much for listening! For the next song, we have something a little special planned.

Nozomi: A couple of cute new stars will be having their debut!

Nico: Make sure you give them a warm welcome and show 'em lots of love!

Inn Attendant: H-hi, Port Breeze!

Inn Attendant: It's pretty nerve-wracking, being able to stand on the same stage as μ's...

Granddaughter: But as nervous as we are, we're even more excited to show you what we've got!

Director: ...!

Granddaughter: No holds barred! We're going to pour our souls into this!

Beginner Idols: So please, give us your full attention as we perform START:DASH!!

The music starts, and the girls expertly step to the tune.

As the instrumentals shift, they start to sing of new beginnings, almost as if to support themselves going forward.

Beginner Idols: ...

Director: Th-this is...

Though the girls sing and dance with unwavering confidence, the level of skill on display is nothing impressive.

Despite this, they remain smiling all the while, their happy energy infectious and radiant.

Director: I don't understand... This is the level they've achieved after so much practice? It doesn't even come close to the arts...

Director: And yet...

Beginner Idols: ...

Director: I've never seen that child smile like this before.

Director: What makes these school idols so special?

Sierokarte: I'd say it's the natural result of putting passion into something you love.

Director: S-Sierokarte? You're here too?

Sierokarte: Just take a gander at how absorbed everyone is. I can already see a school idol craze taking the town by storm.

Sierokarte: And if you care enough to nurture the culture, who knows how the music world might change? The trailblazers of this phenomenon could have their names go down in history too.

Director: ...

Sierokarte: I get why you'd be wary, of course. But if you think about it, there's no real harm in giving it a chance.

Director: Yes, well, the development of a new industry would be of interest to you, wouldn't it?

Sierokarte: Hehehe! Sharp as always, I see!

Director: ...

The cheery singing of her granddaughter and her friend fills the silence as the director ponders Sierokarte's words.

Soon, another round of cheering from the audience resounds throughout the town. After it passes, the director finally speaks.

Director: Perhaps you may be correct. Giving them a chance might not be a bad idea, so long as they don't overstep their boundaries.

Director: Very well. I'll consider your proposal, Sierokarte.

Sierokarte: Thank you very much!

Director: Good grief... What a racket.

Maid: (So you say, madam... If only I could hand you a mirror right now.)

Maid: (You're sporting a wonderful smile. Bright enough to rival the one on the young miss's.)

Unaware of the curve of her own lips, the director stares up at the sky.

Her gaze is firmly fixed on her granddaughter's spirited performance.

Our Way Forward: Scene 3

With the ban lifted, the third-years are able to proceed with setting up their competition. They receive many entries, including the inn attendant and the director's granddaughter. Now confident that school idols are there to stay for many years to come, the third-years are returned to their own world.

---

Some time has passed since Port Breeze's exciting concert in the skies.

In accordance with the agreed terms, the ban on school idols was lifted.

Now the crew works hard alongside Sierokarte and the director to bring a grand school idol festival to life.

Eli: Wait, really? We actually got permission to use the opera house stage?

Nozomi: We sure did. The director manages the place, remember? Plus she's been letting other school idols use it too, so no reason to say no to us.

Nozomi: But we've already got a host of other options to choose from. Maybe we should keep it on reserve.

Vyrn: Can't believe she was so against you guys at first, and now she's offering up all this help.

Athena: It's strange, isn't it? She appears to be actively encouraging the girls' endeavors.

Medusa: Mortals sometimes have a hard time being honest with their feelings, you know?

Medusa: Besides, that last concert was pretty impressive. It wouldn't surprise me if she changed tunes because of that alone.

Nico: I'll say! How many other sky-borne idol concerts have you ever seen, huh?

Nico: None, I bet! Because nobody else came up with the idea before me! Gosh, I'm so smart, sometimes I'm scared of my own genius.

Nozomi: Nico-cchi, didn't you say that you based the concept off of the tower-top idol performances you've seen?

Nico: D-did I? Sorry, I don't recall!

Medusa: Ugh, I wasn't even talking about that part!

Eli: You're referring to the director's granddaughter and the girl from the inn, right? Their dancing and singing certainly hit our message home.

Nico: Yeah, well, I'll admit they did good too! Could use some work on their technique, but their smiles were on point!

Before they can dive into a deeper discussion, the door opens for a new arrival.

Lyria: I've got mail here for μ's! It's from the folks in Tenacie!

Nico: Huh... Wait, don't tell me. Did we get fan letters?

Eli: No, it's the entry sheets for the festival! Guess we've got more competition on the way, huh?

They sort through each envelope, jotting down participants as they go. Some even have personal messages included.

Nico: Hey, that fan of mine is joining in! Seems like she's been keeping at it!

Nozomi: Hm? This one isn't from Tenacie...

Nozomi carefully opens the mysterious envelope and retrieves the insides.

Nozomi: This is...

Nico: The heck? A card with stars on it?

Eli: Isn't that one of your tarot cards, Nozomi? Why'd it come with someone's entry sheet?

A closer look gives them the answer: written on the sheet are the names of the director's granddaughter and the inn attendant.

At the bottom, the director herself has signed on as their guardian for the event.

Medusa: So those two are coming, and with the director's blessing no less.

Nozomi: Hehe, with all the stars coming to gather here, we'll have enough to make our own constellation.

Eli: The light at the end of a long tunnel, right? Just like you predicted.

Nico: Gosh, that tunnel was way longer than I wanted it to be. Can't wait to get this festival going and have a bit of my own fun for once!

Eli: Maybe another time, Nico. We're supposed to be organizing and watching from the sidelines, you know?

Nico: Wait. Say what?

Nozomi: ...

That evening, Nozomi lays in bed, her mind restless.

Nozomi: The initial fortune I told about struggling through darkness to get to the end of the tunnel...

Nozomi: We managed to find the light on the other side, and now our task in this world is done.

The rest is up to the school idols of this world.

Nozomi is confident they will be up to the job.

Nozomi: If we ever get the chance to come here again...

Nozomi: I get the feeling all nine of us will be along for the ride.

Nozomi: It'll sure be nice to sing and dance with everyone together.

Nozomi: ...

Relaxed and content, her eyelids grow heavy, and sleep soon claims her.

Nozomi: Mmm...

Her eyes slowly flutter open.

Taking in the hard wood pressed against her cheek, she realizes she had fallen asleep at her desk.

Nozomi: Mmph... Feels like I was sleeping for a while.

Nozomi: Must've had a really good dream.

She pushes away from her desk, gets up, and stretches.

From her open window, a breeze blows into the room and gently flips the top card of her tarot deck.

On it is a picture of sparkling stars dotting a beautiful night sky.