Date A Live Fragment: Date A Bullet - Volume 2 - Chapter 5

Three Man Group (Unit) 

Tsuan felt faintly perturbed. She had defeated Tokisaki Kurumi, which was great, but she had to become an idol. Since she took up the duty of being an idol, she had to win the favor of the fans. 

Therefore, she had just finished a live concert and was left in a daze in the waiting room. 

Performing regular live concerts to circulate reiryoku with fans, this was the survival method in the Ninth Region Yesod. 

Particularly, there was the desire to abandoned everything and head to another region, but that would mean running away. 

More importantly……it was difficult to say that she had defeated Kurumi. 

Not because it was a song match?? 

She felt disapproval over the fact that a playful scheme allowed her to be victorious. 

After all, there was a great advantage even without considering that her Astral Dress was personally designed by a first-class designer under the Dominion Banouin Mizuha. 

During that idol confrontation, as a result of her ability to promote herself in advance, it was like taking advantage to suddenly attack from behind. 

She couldn’t even call it a duel. 

Something like that was too contemptible. 

“Tsuan-san, could you give me a little more enthusiasm. If you go on like this, you’ll be stuck at S-rank. You have the potential to reach SSS-rank??at the same level as Banouin-sama.” 

The manager assigned by Banouin tried to zealously persuade her. However, Tsuan merely shook her head. 

“Not very interested.” 

“Uhh. I want you to be enthusiastic with your innate skill, but for idols without talents……” 

The manager was disappointed. However, while feeling sorry, Tsuan had no choice but confide honestly with her own heart. Since relying on any other motivation would be useless. 

“So then, I’ll go greet the venue manager. Tsuan-san, please wait here.” 

After saying that, her manager went away. Tsuan decided to wait quietly while quenching her thirst with a sports drink. 

“??????” 

The sound of a brief gunshot caused her eyebrows to instantly jolt up. She quickly made preparations for battle by summoning her Unsigned Angel . Someone was outside this door. 

“Who is it? Are you a ruffian that has become aware of me and my status as an S-rank idol?” 

Tsuan pointed her halberd at the door. Then, there was a voice coming from the other side of the door. 

“Of course, I would know.” 

“……Tokisaki Kurumi……!” 

“Can you please open this door? Also please put down your weapon. It is also forbidden to swoop down at us the moment of opening this door.” 

“What did you come here for?” 

“I want to discuss the future with you.” 

Despite still having her doubts, Tsuan understood and slowly opened the door. 

“Well, if possible, I really didn’t want to meet with you……” 

Entering in this room was Tokisaki Kurumi, Higoromo Hibiki, and one more person; a blonde girl. 

“It’s been a while. I thought you were training for revenge against me somewhere.” 

Hearing what Tsuan had said, Kurumi displayed a displeased expression without any attempts at covering it up. 

“I won’t use that ineffective method. I intend to leave this region through the fastest shortcut.” 

“Hmm.” 

Tsuan shifted her gaze from Kurumi to Hibiki. For some reason, she was wearing a suit and muttering to herself that she wasn’t mistaken. Finally, Tsuan pointed to the remaining girl and rudely asked. 

“Who are you?” 

“My name is Kirari Rinemu! I am an idol in this region; I think it’s too much to not even know my name!” 

“I don’t know. More than that, Tokisaki Kurumi, a match? A match? A contest to settle the tie-breaker? It could be fighting as idols or hand to hand……anything is good……” 

Trembling in anticipation, Tsuan approached Kurumi closer step by step. 

“Not at all.” 

Kurumi answered with a brilliant smile. Tsuan lowered her shoulders dejectedly. 

“Eh, it’s sudden. But we’ve come to take Tsuan-san away!” 

“?” 

Tsuan slanted her neck. 

“Hmm, although the expression is quite monotone, this girl’s response is quite amusing. 

Certainly promising stock……Kurumi, apart from that, do you think you can keep up at my pace?” 

Rinemu let out an hmph sound while looking down at Tsuan. 

Tsuan turned to face Kurumi, giving a look as if asking what was going on. Seeing that look, Kurumi impatiently waved her hand. 

“For details, please ask Hibiki-san. Honestly, I am absolutely disinclined for this at all.” 

“I don’t understand. Higoromo Hibiki, what is going on?” 

“That ? is ? to ? say.” 

Hibiki, or rather Hibi P, smiled proudly. 

“This is a revolutionary project that will allow Rinemu-san to return to the stage, let Kurumi-san escape from this region, and force Kurumi-san to owe a favor to Tsuan-san.” 

“I’ll join.” 

Tsuan replied back immediately. 

“You failed?” 

“Yes……unexpectedly, Kira……Kirari-san? She was stronger than the people employed.” 

“Hmmmmmmm……like that?” 

Mayuka slapped Luku, who was kneeling, on the face with all of her strength. Luku’s cheeks gradually turned red. 

Not only that, but because the strength of her palm was too strong, blood was seeping from her lips. 

However, Luku wasn’t bothered. She just calmly accepted it. On the contrary, Mayuka, the one who had beaten her, regretted a little that she had taken this too seriously. 

At her core she was malevolent and cowardly, but each time she would feel a little regret for kicking others down to reach the top. 

She, more than anyone else, hated this ubiquitous contradiction. 

Mayuka coughed a little. 

“So, can she really sing? And that ‘The Voice of the Moon’……has been taken into sempai’s pocket.” 

“Ah, it appears that she hasn’t absorbed its power yet.” 

“What? Why? She’s carrying around that much reiryoku that causally?” 

“Yes.” 

Having arrived at this point, Mayuka recognized Kirari Rinemu as a fool in earnest. In the Neighboring World, reiryoku combined elements of violence, power and wealth. 

Just like the fragments of the Sephira Crystal, the crystallization of reiryoku was the equivalent of gems from the other world. Unlike Sephira fragments which couldn’t be taken unless the user was killed, as long as it is absorbed, ‘The Voice of the Moon’ would become part of her flesh and blood. Why would she leave it be? 

As usual, Kirari Rinemu’s thought process was way too unclear. 

“If you want a means of disposing of Rinemu and obtaining??” 

“I’ll hire a better quality killer. And then after getting rid of Banouin Mizuha, Mayuka-sama will become the Dominion of the Ninth Region Yesod.” 

While surprised at the dangerous words of killing, becoming the Dominion was very appealing to Mayuka. Even if you flee to another region where you have contacts, you’ll be able to live leisurely for a lifetime.” 

“……That is quite……appealing.” 

“As long as you obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’ and absorb its enormous reiryoku, you’ll be invincible. 

“Hmm.” 

Momozono Mayuka gave it some thought. Although she liked to sing, it was frustrating not being the best. 

In that case, being an idol in another region wasn’t a bad idea. She had occasionally heard rumors of Quasi-Spirits that fled to other regions doing well as idols. 

She was confident in her singing voice that could bewilder Quasi-Spirits in any region. ……Of course, on the premise that there were no monsters like Banouin Mizuha and Kirari Rinemu present next to her. 

Shifting her goal to a new land might be a good choice. 

“Then, let’s obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’ first. Create an opportunity and steal it.” 

“Yes.” 

“Then, in the other regions……since in the Tenth Region Malkuth the promising Quasi-Spirits have all fled because of Doll Master, I would go to the Eighth Region. Fortunately, that area is in the midst of a war. You’ll be sure to find a killer with high strength there.” 

“…..Yes.” 

“Standing at the summit, Mayuka-sama. You have that qualification.” 

Upon hearing that, Mayuka slapped Luku on the face once again. 

“Of course I understand that! If it wasn’t for Banouin Mizuha, I would have definitely become the Dominion! The other idols aren’t even worth looking at!” 

Luku rubbed her cheeks, smiling calmly as she summoned her own Unsigned Angel. 

A huge sickle held by the God of death??with its sharp blade and ominous design, truly a ridiculous object designed to mow down human lives rather than weeds. 

Above all else, the flashy red color was too disproportionate to Luku, which brought out her purity even more out to the forefront. 

“……Your Unsigned Angel is as creepy as ever.” 

“My apologizes.” 

“Well, forget it. Anyway, I want to steal it during the chaos. Your……uh, what is it called again?” 

“It’s called .” (Kanji reads as Crimson Slaughter General) Like a dreaming maiden, Luku hugged her cherished huge sickle. 

Mayuka didn’t know Luku’s past. However, she also felt that she didn’t need to know. The rescue of giving reiryoku to an Empty to save them from disappearing occurred frequently in the Ninth Region Yesod. But due to the fact that these girls could be treated as slaves, it can be said that not too many Quasi-Spirits approved of this behavior. 

Was it to save them or treat them as slaves? Mayuka only thought of the latter. 

Apart from Luku, Mayuka had already used several others as being disposable. Luku was merely the latest one. The destructive power of her Unsigned Angel was far greater than below average Quasi-Spirits and her consciousness was still clear. 

And above all else, she was willing to give up her life. 

From Mayuka’s perception, she was a very convenient tool. 

……No, if she was tool, then for Momozono Mayuka perhaps this entire world was a ridiculous man-made prop. 

This world was too lacking in a sense of reality, floating on just like a pipe dream. 

As long as you can sing, you can survive. Even if you can measure time on a daily basis, who knows how many days, months and years passed here. 

Apparently, it was the same for the other Quasi-Spirits. How long since they come here??why were they living here? 

Mayuka was scared of gradually forgetting this. 

She was terrified of singing, singing, always singing until eventually becoming an Empty. 

However, the other idols kept singing and dancing without a worry at all. 

Mayuka felt it was difficult to understand. 

Concealed by the word lost, wasn’t it the same as death? 

There was no difference from dying from being shot and dying from losing one’s dreams and becoming lost. 

What she sought was eternal life and joy. That was what Momozono Mayuka wished for. 

“……Disappeared?” 

Mayuka’s scream echoed through the coffee shop. Luku still replied back in a flat tone. 

“I’m not sure what has happened since they obtained ‘The Voice of the Moon’. At the same time, an idol who debut at S-rank has gone missing.” 

“Don’t tell me, even with ‘The Voice of the Moon’, it was impossible to retrieve her singing voice and she disappeared……?” 

“Possible. Or she may have run away.” 

“You mean to another region?” 

“There have been relatively less killings in the Tenth Region Malkuth since Doll Master has disappeared. Moreover, as long as they have ‘The Voice of the Moon’ they can provide reiryoku to an Empty and use her as bait. No, with that maybe she doesn’t even need to be an idol anymore.” 

“Did you observe the flow of reiryoku when they captured ‘The Voice of the Moon’?” 

“The distance was too far and difficult to capture a response. ……Of course, there is a good possibility it hasn’t been used yet.” 

“For example, like being in anguish for no longer being able to sing and becoming lost……?” 

“Possibly.” 

Mayuka sighed while showing Luku a piece of paper. 

“This was announced while you were searching.” 

“This is……” 

“Banouin Mizuha’s emergency one-man live concert. It is said that she didn’t hesitate in canceling the concert she already booked and insisted on hosting this. 

“What is her aim……is it some sort of memorial service?” 

“Sempai’s memorial……that’s not it. Rather sempai is hosting this concert to convey her hopes of searching for Kirari Rinemu, hoping that some Quasi-Spirit in this region will be able to find her.” 

Luku slanted her head. 

“……Is Kirari Rinemu worth that much?” 

“I don’t know. But Mizuha seems to think so……” 

“So why not let that rumor flow?” 

“Rumor? What rumor?” 

Luku smiled as she told her. 

“The rumor that Banouin Mizuha’s live concert is to a memorial to Kirari Rinemu.” 

Mayuka widened her eyes. 

“If that rumor reaches her ears, she will definitely have to show up. Her fans are scarce enough as it is, so this news would definitely be a decisive blow to the remaining fans. If she wishes to continue being an idol, she can’t hesitate in declaring her survival. On the other hand, if she doesn’t show up??” 

“It means she’s either given up on being an idol or living in the Ninth Region Yesod……” 

Mayuka thought about it for a while before giving Luku the orders to spread the rumor. 

“In any case, this should be able to cause damage to Banouin Mizuha. ……If she isn’t hurt by this, we’ll have to try something else. Really, Mizuha-sempai is almost too perfect. I can only tail behind her in order to survive.” 

Mayuka said that while letting out a selfish sigh. 

Banouin Mizuha rarely exerted her power, especially if it involved a concert. 

She left everything to her manager and concentrated on singing alone. That was her usual attitude towards life. Her manager would adjust the schedule so that she could always sing at full strength. Cooperating together like this, they were successful in every endeavor. 

Mizuha’s singing voice felt sad yet serene at the same time, giving the impression of washing away the fatigue and poison accumulated throughout the day. 

This was why the manager was meticulously careful with the state of Mizuha’s voice if it was ever tired, sore, or hoarse…… 

It was extremely rare for Mizuha to say, “I want to open a live concert.” At first, the manager had disagreed. Her physical condition was definitely at its worst. Besides, the discussion of her in the various regions was beginning to pile up, causing her to be visibly exhausted. 

However, while usually obedient, she refused to give in this time. 

“Please, please let met sing??” 

……If she would go that far in asking, the manager threw away the planned schedule for next week and ran around preparing to set up a stage would cause excitement to boil. 

However, Mizuha’s condition wasn’t good, so the staff repeatedly suggested an extension, but she insisted on continuing. 

The staff became filled with an inexplicable sense of anxiety and soon rumors began spreading in the Ninth Region Yesod in one form or another. 

Did Banouin Mizuha sense her limits and was intending to retire? 

Could Banouin Mizuha no longer sing anymore? 

Such rumors have always been spread??or rather it has been repeatedly emphasized by Momozono Mayuka and Luku. If Mizuha’s genre had been lovely or chaos, such rumors wouldn’t have amounted to much. 

However, Mizuha was a stylish idol. There as a need and desire from the fans to be impeccable. 

And her perfection was gradually about to collapse. 

“Mizuha-sama, are you listening?” 

……She felt dizzy while waking up. There was a feeling of being in a daze while having her eyes open. Her manager in front of her gave a bewildered look. Mizuha remembered that she was in the middle of a meeting. 

“Sorry, I seem a little tired.” 

The manager slowly shook her head. 

“No, I can’t allow this. Please take a short break. It will be necessary to regain your usual state.” 

Normally, she would reply that there was no need, but this time she felt sincerely obliged to accept this proposal. 

Taking a nap in the room, Mizuha thought to herself. Why was she in such a world? 

She had long lost the reason for singing?? 

While thinking of such a thing, the color of her hair gradually faded away. 

“Okay, are you all ready?” 

“Of course.” 

“Perfect! I’ve thought it over again and again, but I’ve decided on a gamble. You’ll be first at the center!” 

“Only at the beginning, that’s all.” 

“Yes, yes, then switch to me during the middle.” 

“At the very end, I’ll leisurely receive the position of center from both of you. So, please don’t selfishly occupy the center position.” 

“Hey, is that really something you should say to them? How many times have you clashed, while those two were still singing, about not be able to relent the center spot?” 

“That’s because I’m a little hooked on the spotlight…...” 

“……Same……” 

“Alright listen you three; the most important thing in an idol group is to emphasize cooperation. 

Strive to behave better than the other two and smoothly exchange the center spot. Otherwise, the overall image of the group will be destroyed in an instant; that especially means you Kurumi-san!” 

“Yes, yes, you’re not wrong.” 

Higoromo Hibiki was broadly grinning while wearing a suit. She presented her hand out to the three of them with a fearless smile as all of their hands began to pile up on each other. 

Then, they shouted in unison. 

“Live concert hijacking, commence!” 

Banouin Mizuha stood on the stage. Momozono Mayuka, who had snuck into the concert hall, looked on at her with joy. Mizuha’s hair color was beginning to fade partially and the audience looked on anxiously at that. 

“So they didn’t find Kirari Rinemu after all.” 

Momozono Mayuka and Luku, located in a hidden corner on the second floor and left side of the concert hall, were observing at Mizuha. There were rumors about her appearance……but she didn’t think it would be so! 

“Yes……” 

“Forget that. From a glance, she is slowly becoming the same as you. So it turns out Kirari Rinemu wasn’t irrelevant after all! Let’s take a look of that woman’s fall from here.” 

“……The day that you become Dominion isn’t far off.” 

“If only Banouin wasn’t here. Oh, I wish I had killed Kirari Rinemu from the very beginning!” 

“But, she isn’t dead. If Banouin Mizuha discovers that Kirari Rinemu is still alive in this world, then she is likely to regain her vitality.” 

“Yes. But there isn’t any problem. As long as she thinks that Rinemu is dead during this song, then it’s fine.” 

“How come?” 

Mayuka exposed a scornful smile while informing. 

“After this song, I will sing. A song of repose for Kirari Rinemu. And, instead of Banouin Mizuha who can no longer bear this responsibility, the title of Dominion will pass onto me.” 

“……Do you think everyone will agree?” 

“They absolutely will. The other regions as well, in the Ninth Region Yesod there are few idols that wish to be Dominion besides me. Those guys can only care about what’s good to sing.” 

“Isn’t that natural for an idol?” 

“??That’s not it, Empty. There’s an absolute difference. As long as you can sing is very different from singing for the sake of singing. Those idols always have to think of the former rather than the latter.” 

Mayuka smacked her lips??exuding out a level of spite that perhaps even Luku has never seen before. 

“Kirari Rinemu and Banouin Mizuha are no exception. I am proud to be an idol……how utterly idiotic. Before we became idols, wasn’t there something more important to us?” 

“More……important?” 

“It’s to survive. Wherever, whenever, to live a life free from pain every second. These guys are doing it all wrong. So when I become Dominion, I will destroy the Cradle and let everyone witness the process of an Empty disappearing just like in the Tenth Region Malkuth.” 

“That’s brutal.” 

“You’re opening your mouth of wanting to sleep in the Cradle?” 

“No way. If I were dying, I would definitely prefer the wilderness. Rather than sleeping, to turn breathless, that’s all. 

“……Hmm. That’s something that I like about you for the first time.” 

Mayuka laughed. In response to her laughter, Luku slanted her head while inquiring. 

“So……that’s why you hated me before?” 

“Didn’t I tell you? I hate who Emptys abandon all hope and just wish to die. But, you didn’t give up, you think of yourself like a tool, right?” 

Truly unusually, Luku opened her eyes. 

“That, that’s right, correct.” 

“Alright, now the song is starting!” 

Slowly, the venue played the background music. 

Ah, my love has faded into mist?? 

Mizuha began to sing, but she didn’t have her usual perfect appearance. She was probably self-aware of this. The audience’s response was that their confusion outweighed their fanaticism and that confusion lead to worries that the rumors had been proven true. 

Mizuha could likely also feel it; her color was turning translucent, even the Dominion wasn’t an exception. 

In the Neighboring World, when you believe that your life has lost meaning, death will arrive at that moment. 

“I’ve won ? ” 

Mayuka sneered while boldly grinning. 

“????!” 

At that moment, Luku trembled. Noticing this, Mayuka twitched her eyebrows. 

“What happened?” 

“Nothing……I think it would be best to re-work the plan.” 

“What did you say…………!?” 

Mayuka was at a loss for words. 

The stage suddenly flashed blue and white, yellow and white, and red and black in the blink of an eye. 

At the same time, the blue and white hands grabbed Mizuha, who was still singing, and moved her to the side of the stage at great speed.