I watched Ave Mujica on Music Floor yesterday! The talk segment was so entertaining—I couldn't stop watching!

Mutsumi?

Thank you.

The interaction with the host ended up feeling like a comedy skit, didn't it? Mutsumi-chan, you're amazing as always.

Mutsumi?

Not really. The host did a great job picking up on what I was saying and making it entertaining. Professional hosts really are amazing~

Mutsumi?

That was so much fun! Ahaha!

Soyo

...

Nyamu

Ah~ I'm so tired~

Mutsumi?

I have macarons. Which color would you choose?

Uika

I can't decide...

Nyamu

Red or black... By the way, I'm still on a diet.

Umiri

Let me have one then. Even if I eat, I won't gain weight.

Uika

Sesame-flavored?

Umiri

*Munch*... Yeah, it's sesame-flavored.

Nyamu

I'm so jealous of Umiko's constitution~

Mutsumi?

If we share half, the calores will be halved! right?

Nyamu

I see! No, no, saying things like this isn't good~

Mutsumi?

Ahaha.

Sakiko

What's wrong?

Nyamu

What?

Sakiko

Not long ago, everyone was still...

Uika

I won't let Mujica disband. If a band member quits, it's basically the same as disbanding.

Nyamu

This is such an important moment. Do you really think this is okay?

Umiri

Togawa-san, aren't you the one not paying attention to the members?

Mutsumi

Whenever I speak up, I ruin everything...

Nyamu

What's the big deal~ Finally, we're in the best state now.

Uika

That's true, the atmosphere of the band has improved... I was worried we might just disband like that.

Uika

It's all thanks to Mutsumi-chan.

Mutsumi?

Eheheh.

Umiri

Really impressive to dispel negative rumors with such powerful acting.

Uika

Even the rumors of disbanding have disappeared.

Nyamu

Indeed~!

Sakiko

But having such a lazy attitude, like you did in that interview earlier, is unacceptable!

Umiri

Although the direction may differ slightly from what Togawa-san expected from Ave Mujica...

Umiri

Wakaba-san also expressed Ave Mujica's worldview in her own unique way. It is a sort of success too.

Nyamu

Isn't that why we got a magazine feature?

Mutsumi?

Starting now, we're a band. We'll play music together and our destinies will become one!

Mutsumi?

I will write music worthy of Ave Mujica!

Sakiko

...!

Nyamu

Huh? That sounded just like something Sakiko would say~

Mutsumi?

A shared destiny means just that.

Uika

Shared destiny, huh... I like the Mujica we have now.

Mutsumi?

Thank you, Uika-chan.

Sakiko

Are you really going to settle like this? I haven't finished talking yet!

Nyamu

Ughhh~? What a hassle.

Sakiko

We worked so hard to come together, but you're still so laid-back!

Sakiko

We had a tour scheduled, but we didn't even practice properly!

Umiri

Yeah, we have to perform a new song on the last day of the tour.

Nyamu

When will it even be finished~? I want to practice too~

Sakiko

...

Uika

Saki-chan has been pretty busy lately too. I'll help out too.

Umiri

Misumi-san, Wakaba-san, it's about time to go.

Nyamu

You're off to shoot the cover for "ERA," right? That's so nice~

Mutsumi?

I'll let the editor know.

Nyamu

Yay! Should I come too? Just to observe for future reference~♪

Sakiko

...

Uika

...

Uika

Saki-chan... I wonder if she's exhausted?

Mutsumi?

...

Uika

She'd never shown that side of herself before.

Mutsumi?

It's all those invisible jobs, like directing live shows and writing scripts. She's handling all of it.

Uika

I want to ease her burden, even just a little, but... She's composing at home all the time too... Yesterday, she even pulled an all-nighter.

Mutsumi?

It's not good for her health!

Uika

Eh?

Mutsumi?

Then just tell her! Tell her to sleep properly!

Mutsumi?

When there's too much work, she forgets herself. And things start to fall apart.

Uika

Hehe, Mutsumi-chan, you kind of remind me of Mana-chan.

Mutsumi?

The Mana-chan from "sumimi"?

Uika

Yeah, when I'm with Mutsumi-chan, I feel really at ease. You even brought all of us together.

Uika

But the first time we met, you didn't talk much. I had no idea you were this amazing.

Mutsumi?

Didn't Uika-chan say before that "if a member quits, it's basically the same as disbanding?"

Mutsumi?

I think the same as you.

Mutsumi?

Now, the closest person to Sakiko-chan is Uika-chan. Please take care of Sakiko-chan.

Uika

Alright!

Mutsumi?

Ah, Uika-chan. What we just talked about, keep it a secret from Sakiko-chan, okay? Hehe.

Sakiko

(What's wrong with you? Mutsumi...)

Uika

Saki-chan, you are still awake?

Sakiko

I need to compose.

Uika

It's not good for your health!

Sakiko

Health?

Uika

You're not sleeping enough. Go to sleep for today. You can't come up with good songs without sleep.

Sakiko

But—

Uika

Saki-chan.

Sakiko

Alright.

Umiri

Your handwriting is easy to read. That helps a lot.

Taki

*Yawn*...

Umiri

Didn't you get enough sleep?

Taki

Not really. I'm working on songs for the next live... What about math?

Umiri

I'm pretty good at it. No thanks.

Taki

I see.

Umiri

I never thought I'd one day borrow notes from you.

Taki

Me neither. I never thought I'd see Umiri on TV five days a week.

Taki

So? How is it?

Umiri

What do you mean?

Taki

The band. Didn't you say it might disband?

Umiri

That's been resolved. The tour is going well too. The schedule is filled with TV appearances and interviews.

Umiri

It's like a sparkler about to burn out.

Taki

Huh?

Hmm... Can you try to be more expressive?

Sakiko

...

Mutsumi?

Your expression is too stiff. Look, smile more like me♪

Nyamu

Yeah, yeah~ Relax more! For example~ maybe put your arm around my shoulder? Like this.

Sakiko

W-Wait, what are you doing all of a sudden?

Mutsumi?

Uika-chan and Umiri-chan, come join too!

Umiri

No choice, I guess.

Uika

I was trying not to overlap with my sumimi image, though.

Mutsumi?

Everyone, gather together and strike a pose!

Yeah, it's amazing! It feels like the new Ave Mujica.

Nyamu

Wow, it's really great! I love this photo~

Uika

I love this photo too.

Everyone's unique charm shines through... Wow~ I'm really looking forward to Mujica's future!

Nyamu

I want us all to bring out each other's strengths and make Mujica even bigger~!

Mutsumi?

Yeah! Let's make Mujica even better!

Uika

Let's do our best.

Mutsumi?

Umiri-chan, you too!

Umiri

Well... I do hope that Mujica will become a new home for me.

Nyamu

Umiko, honestly... Couldn't you try matching everyone else's energy a little?

Umiri

Well, that's just my nature.

Sakiko

...

I heard you all are going to Fukuoka for a tour this weekend.

Uika

We'll do our best to give the audience a dream-like experience.

Mutsumi?

Nyamu-chan... Amoris's family will be coming too, right?

Nyamu

That's right~ But, well, since we're technically dolls, family—

Mutsumi?

Hakata dolls!

Nyamu

Huh? Oh, right...

Mutsumi?

Minami-chan has a favorite shop. I'm really looking forward to visiting it.

Mutsumi?

Please leave your recommendations for places to visit in Mujica's social media comment sections! We'd really appreciate it.

That's right! Actually, next week's show will have a Fukuoka special. Will you all be coming again?

Mutsumi?

Thank you so much! I'll ask the manager—

Mutsumi?

Ah, the gesture says no... So it's a no...

We'd love to have you anytime.

Mutsumi?

We might actually come by!

Nyamu

Aha... ahaha...

Nyamu

Ahhh... I ended up buying a grande café latte...

Nyamu

Whatever! Forget it! I'm drinking it! I'm drinking the whole thing!

Nyamu

Gulp, gulp... gulp, phew—! I quit~~!

Nyamu

How come she's leavin' the topic to me, then takin' it right back to herself? It's just so frustratin', I tell ya~ This is what I get after tryin' so darn hard~ Guess talent really is everythin'! Ah~

Nyamu

Ma~ma~

Nyamu's Mother

"Why ya soundin' so down? What happened?"

Nyamu

Ugh, where do I even start~?

Nyamu

I thought for sure I'd grab myself an opportunity in Tokyo, but turns out I'm surrounded by geniuses.

Nyamu's Mother

"Oh dear, how'd it come to this?"

Nyamu

Yeah. I thought I could bounce off Muuko during today's recording, but she completely took over and I couldn't get a word in edgewise~.

Nyamu

That's why, even though I don't usually drink this stuff, I went and bought the biggest latte they had today.

Nyamu's Mother

"Don't worry. Your name Nyamu."

Nyamu's Mother

"It means wheat only grows stronger after bein' trampled on. Tomorrow, you'll be somethin' even more amazin', ya hear?"

Nyamu

Ugh... Mama~

Nyamu's Younger Sister・Nyamu's Younger Brother

"Mama! I want to talk to big sister~ Mama! I want to talk to Nyamu-sister~"

Nyamu

Wait your turn! Don't y'all fight~

Nyamu's Younger Sister

"Nyamu-sister, thank ya for the cat plushie!"

Nyamu's Younger Brother

"Big sister, you were on TV. I'm so proud~!"

Nyamu

I see. Alrighty! Big sister is feelin' fired up now!

Nyamu

I'll set off a big ol' firework for y'all. Make sure y'all watchin'~

Nyamu's Mother

"Take care now. We're all rootin' for ya!"

Nyamu

Y'all look forward to the Fukuoka concert the day after tomorrow, ya hear? Give a holler to the big brother and big sister for me, will ya? Good night, y'all~

Nyamu

Phew... okay.

We'll start checking the sound equipment. I heard you haven't been able to play together at all. Should we try playing a few songs first?

Sakiko

My sincere apologies, we'll leave it to you.

Mortis-san, your guitar.

Mutsumi?

I don't need a guitar~

Sakiko

Mutsumi, what are you saying?

Mutsumi?

Because I don't know how to play guitar at all.

Sakiko・Umiri・Uika・Nyamu

Huh?

Sakiko

What do you mean by that?

Nyamu

But you've been playing it all this time!

Mutsumi?

I can't play it because I've never played it before.

Uika

Is it your fingers or arms that hurt?

Umiri

You can't even play the songs from the first day of the tour? The setlist hasn't really changed.

Mutsumi?

I can't play any of them~

Nyamu

Wait, what are you talking about? I can't understand a thing.

Sakiko

Are you serious?

Mutsumi?

What's the problem? I was doing fine without the guitar, right?

Sakiko

...!

Uika

What are we supposed to do? The TV performance was fine since it was only one song, and we could get by without Mutsumi-chan's guitar...

Umiri

But that's a different story if we're playing the full set...

Nyamu

Wait, what about rehearsals?

Sakiko

Come with me.

Mutsumi?

It hurts... Hey, don't pull me.

Uika

They're gone.

Sakiko

What are you thinking? You already ruined the performance with improvisation, and now you're saying you won't play?

Sakiko

You used to care so much about the guitar! I can't understand you anymore!

Mutsumi?

This is all for Ave Mujica.

Mutsumi?

Sakiko-chan said it, right? That Mutsumi-chan left everything to you.

Mutsumi?

So, I spoke to everyone on behalf of Sakiko-chan.

Sakiko

...?

Mutsumi?

Uika-chan, Umiri-chan, Nyamu-chan— Everyone really loves Ave Mujica.

Mutsumi?

If things stay like this, we can stay together forever, Sakiko-chan.

Sakiko

What nonsense are you talking about...

Mutsumi?

Do you really not understand? Sakiko-chan is so fixated on the band. Isn't it because of this?

Sakiko

That's...

Sakiko

"Sakiko-chan"? Mutsumi... wouldn't call me that.

Sakiko

Are you... really Mutsumi?

Mutsumi?

Mutsumi-chan is already dead.

Sakiko

...!

Mutsumi?

Ah, I got it wrong. It's more like she's asleep, as if dead.

Sakiko

Don't joke around!

Mutsumi?

I'm serious.

Sakiko

What do you mean by "asleep"? Explain it to me!

Mortis

My name is Mortis.

Mortis

A long time ago, I chatted with Mutsumi-chan, played with dolls, and had lots of fun.

Sakiko

A long... time ago?

Mortis

After Mutsumi-chan started playing guitar, she joined Sakiko-chan's band, with no idea that would be the start of her suffering.

Mortis

One day, when Mutsumi-chan couldn't sleep from all the pain, she desperately followed Sakiko-chan, seeking help.

Mortis

But Sakiko-chan, only thinking of herself, scolded Mutsumi-chan harshly.

Sakiko

Ah...

Sakiko

Why...?

Sakiko

Why aren't you on my side!?

Mutsumi

...

Mortis

Just like this, with all the wounds on her, Mutsumi-chan sank into a deep, deep slumber.

Mortis

That's why I hate Sakiko-chan.

Sakiko

...

Mortis

Don't worry. I will protect Mutsumi-chan and her favorite band.

Mortis

But...

Mortis

If Sakiko-chan keeps being like this, Mutsumi-chan might never be back.

Sakiko

I...

Uika

Saki-chan...! You were here.

Uika

I just passed by Mutsumi-chan, are you done talking...?

Sakiko

That... wasn't Mutsumi...

Umiri

Wakaba-san said that... That just came out of nowhere.

Uika

A split personality?

Sakiko

!!

Mortis

Were you calling for me? Ah, everyone's here~ What were you talking about?

Nyamu

Is it true you have a split personality?

Mortis

Hmm... So you told everyone about it, Sakiko-chan♪

Sakiko

...

Umiri

Let's decide what to do moving forward. We didn't even get to rehearse... Tomorrow's live will have to be canceled, right?

Sakiko

We can't cancel it...

Uika

Mutsumi-chan's guitar recordings...

Sakiko

We don't have it.

Umiri

This is the downside of insisting on live performances.

Uika

Mutsumi-chan's guitar is the core of the songs. I can't handle it all on my own.

Umiri

If we're going to hold the live, I'll immediately find someone to help.

Mortis

I can handle it, no matter how many hours it takes!

Mortis

Whether they're here for a play or the music, I'll make sure my performance satisfies them completely!

Sakiko

But that... doesn't count as a band anymore...

Nyamu

You know, I've been holding back for a long time.

Sakiko

Eh...

Nyamu

Even when Muuko stole the spotlight and I was ignored, I kept smiling for the audience's sake.

Nyamu

Whether it's the band or the live, it's not just us doing it. There are countless people working tirelessly behind the scenes... They're the ones staying up all night for us!

Nyamu

Have you thought about the audience looking forward to tomorrow's live?

Nyamu

It's not just ticket money. They spend so much on travel and accommodation—

Nyamu

Saving up from their jobs for Ave Mujica's live concert. Are you going to betray them?

Sakiko

...

Nyamu

Then you quit!

Uika

Nyamu-chan!

Nyamu

Then, should we expel Muuko?

Sakiko

...

Nyamu

What are you suggesting?

Sakiko

I want Mutsumi back.

Nyamu

You fool! I'll quit.

Umiri・Uika・Mortis・Sakiko

!!!

Nyamu

When I saw your clothes at first, I thought you were sloppy, but then I assumed you'd leave your high-society status behind to take this seriously.

Nyamu

I really thought we'd climb to the top together.

Nyamu

What "Give me your life"! I don't have time to play house with a rich girl!

Sakiko

...

Nyamu

Uiko, if one person quits, Ave Mujica is over, right?

Uika

Ah, that's...

Mortis

Huh? How did it come to this?

Uika

Calm down...

Nyamu

I am calm. She did say it, didn't she?

Umiri

Yes, you did.

Uika

If I hadn't said it back then...

Mortis

Uika-chan, you are always lying. Didn't you say it was because you wanted to stay with Sakiko-chan?

Uika

...

Mortis

That's why we don't have to disband!

Umiri・Uika・Nyamu・Sakiko

...

Mortis

I don't want it! Absolutely not! We absolutely won't disband!

Mortis

A band is about playing music together and destinies becoming one! Our mission is none other than to give our guests a dream-like experience!

Mortis

Now is the time to determine the true value of the band! Sakiko-chan, isn't Mujica the only thing you have left in this world?

Sakiko

...

Umiri

*Sigh*... It's only a matter of time. Not many bands last.

Mortis

Why? Why are we even talking about disbanding?

Mortis

How did it come to this? We talked about this already, didn't we? All of us!

Mortis

Uika-chan! After I told you to "take care of Sakiko-chan," didn't you smile happily?

Uika

...

Mortis

Nyamu-chan! Didn't we talk about using everyone's strengths to make Mujica even better?

Nyamu

...

Mortis

Even Umiri-chan said, "if Mujica could become a place I can call home, that would be great."

Umiri

...

Nyamu

You've got it wrong.

Mortis

What "wrong"!?

Nyamu

Why are you in Mujica in the first place?

Mortis

Eh?

Nyamu

When you acted as a doll, honestly, it scared me to the point of trembling. Even though I knew there were no strings...

Nyamu

I saw the strings pulled tight, then snap.

Nyamu

Even though I felt frustrated, I realized that this is what true genius looks like...

Nyamu

You shouldn't belong here.

Mortis

Why? Why would you be mean to me? Is it because I can't play the guitar? Say something!

Mortis

Nobody's leaving, right? We'll stay together as a band, right?

Mortis

Sakiko-chan! Uika-chan! Umiri-chan!

Mortis

How could this happen...

Oblivionis

The moon sinks into the earth.

Mortis

Stop!

Amoris

Our fleeting lives end here.

Mortis

Why would you say something like that?

Timoris

The dolls no longer exist.

Mortis

But I'm still here!

Doloris

With tonight's masquerade—

Mortis

Stop! Don't say it!

Doloris

We announce the curtain call of Ave Mujica.

Mortis

Nooooooo!