Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duanmu Huai, despite disliking stage acting due to the need for exaggerated emotions, joins the Tokyo BLADE stage play.
• The meeting for the play begins, with the cast divided into the LALALAI Troupe and external actors.
• Kichijoji Raiko, the author of "Now Sweet," attends with Abiko, the author of "Tokyo BLADE."
• Abiko is concerned about the portrayal of White Oni, as White Oni's weapon, Oni Fang, is challenging to use.
• Duanmu Huai effortlessly lifts and wields Oni Fang, impressing everyone with her strength and presence.

Character Developments

• Duanmu Huai demonstrates her physical prowess and ability to embody the role of White Oni.
• Arima Kana and Kurokawa Akane are awestruck by Duanmu Huai's power and presence.
• Kurokawa Akane experiences a hallucination or vision of a giant underwater creature when Duanmu Huai unleashes her aura.

Significant Themes

• The challenge of translating manga to stage and maintaining the spirit of the original work.
• The power of an actor's presence and ability to immerse an audience in a role.
• The blurring of reality and illusion, hinted at through Kurokawa Akane's experience.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai interacts with the cast, proving her suitability for the role of White Oni.
• Arima Kana and Kurokawa Akane react to Duanmu Huai's power, with Kurokawa Akane experiencing a mysterious vision.
• The Director is impressed by Duanmu Huai's performance and decides to proceed with this interpretation of White Oni.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The stage play's script requires Saya Hime (Kurokawa Akane) to hesitate about starting a war, while the White Oni (Duanmu Huai) shows a warlike side.
• During rehearsal, Kurokawa Akane is unsettled by Duanmu Huai's performance as the White Oni.
• Kurokawa Akane experiences a strange illusion involving a tentacle and eyeballs.

Character Developments

• Kurokawa Akane: Struggles with her role and has an unsettling encounter during rehearsal, suggesting she might be experiencing something supernatural.
• Duanmu Huai: Reveals she doesn't fully immerse herself in roles due to fear of losing her true self, hinting at a past trauma.

Significant Themes

• The blurring of boundaries between oneself and one's role (acting).
• The struggle between gentleness and madness, as seen in Saya Hime and the White Oni's relationship.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Kurokawa Akane: They discuss their views on acting and pleasure, with Duanmu Huai revealing her fear of losing her true self. Kurokawa Akane becomes unsettled by Duanmu Huai's performance and later experiences a strange illusion.
• Kurokawa Akane and the Illusion: Kurokawa Akane has a disturbing encounter with an illusory tentacle and eyeballs, suggesting a supernatural presence or psychological disturbance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist obtains an Alliance Blade, aiming to conquer the world by defeating other wielders.
• White Oni, despite not having an Alliance Blade, seeks to rule the country and challenges the system.
• Duanmu Huai, a character in the story, prefers White Oni's character arc over the protagonist's, finding her ambition and actions more interesting.

Character Developments

• The protagonist is a hot-blooded youth following a typical power-up journey.
• White Oni is an ambitious character who challenges the established order, seeking power and recognition without an Alliance Blade.
• Duanmu Huai, a character in the story's narrative, expresses his preference for White Oni's character arc, questioning the protagonist's acceptance of the Alliance Blade system.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Both the protagonist and White Oni seek power, but their methods and justifications differ.
• Challenging the established order: White Oni's actions question the validity of the Alliance Blade system, while Duanmu Huai's thoughts explore the idea of overthrowing the old order.
• The role of qualifications: The Alliance Blades bestow qualifications to conquer, which is challenged by White Oni's actions and Duanmu Huai's thoughts.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Arima Kana discuss the story, characters, and Duanmu Huai's preferences.
• Duanmu Huai expresses his thoughts on White Oni's character arc, contrasting it with the protagonist's.
• Kurokawa Akane's absence from practice is noted, with Duanmu Huai and Arima Kana discussing her well-being.
• Kurokawa Akane's internal struggle and strange dreams are revealed, hinting at an unknown force influencing her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby has a live performance at JIF, while Duanmu Huai visits Kurokawa Akane, who's been unwell.
• Duanmu Huai and Kurokawa Akane attend Ruby's performance together, with Duanmu Huai using his martial arts skills to secure a good viewing spot.
• After the performance, they take the train back, and Kurokawa Akane experiences a strange reaction on the train.

Character Developments

• Ruby's idol career is flourishing, and she's enjoying her performances.
• Duanmu Huai shows his martial arts skills, revealing a side of him that Ruby and Kurokawa Akane aren't fully aware of.
• Kurokawa Akane seems to be experiencing strange, dream-like episodes, hinting at an unknown issue.

Significant Themes

• The idol industry's expectations and pressures, as seen in the news story about an idol's relationship exposure.
• The contrast between Ruby's enjoyment of her idol life and Kurokawa Akane's unexplained distress.
• The exploration of Duanmu Huai's past and his relationships with other girls.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Kurokawa Akane spend time together, with Duanmu Huai showing concern for her well-being.
• Duanmu Huai and Ruby have a sisterly relationship, with Ruby teasing Duanmu Huai about his work schedule.
• Duanmu Huai reveals hints about his past friends to Kurokawa Akane, but doesn't provide details.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby, MEM, and Toyohama Waka return from their successful JIF performance.
• Ruby reveals she has an older sister, who is strict but caring.
• Duanmu Huai spends the night at Kurokawa Akane's place due to an emergency.
• Ruby is worried about Duanmu Huai's whereabouts and scolds her for not answering calls.

Character Developments

• Ruby: Shows affection for her older sister despite her strictness, and feels protective of her.
• Duanmu Huai: Demonstrates care and responsibility towards Ruby, and shows a softer side with Kurokawa Akane.
• Kurokawa Akane: Experiences a moment of connection with Cthulhu, leading to an unexpected encounter with Duanmu Huai.

Significant Themes

• Sisterly bond between Ruby and Duanmu Huai.
• The influence of Cthulhu on those connected to the arts.
• The consequences of ignoring calls and communication.

Character Interactions

• Ruby, MEM, and Toyohama Waka discuss their families and experiences after the performance.
• Ruby shares stories about Duanmu Huai's strictness and care.
• Duanmu Huai and Kurokawa Akane have an unexpected encounter, leading to a tense morning after.
• Ruby scolds Duanmu Huai for not answering her calls, showing her concern and affection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duanmu Huai and Kurokawa Akane have breakfast together; Akane is nervous due to the previous night's events.
• Duanmu Huai receives a call from Saito Ichigo, the former Club President of Berry PRO, revealing that he has found a suspect related to Hoshino Ai's assassination.
• Duanmu Huai investigates Shinboku Hikaru, the suspect, and finds his background and Office establishment suspicious.

Character Developments

• Kurokawa Akane: Still nervous and shy after the previous night's events, but begins to accept what happened.
• Duanmu Huai: Shows concern for Hoshino Ai's case and continues to investigate, also reflects on the chaotic nature of the entertainment industry.
• Saito Ichigo: Reveals his dedication to finding Hoshino Ai's attacker, having worked undercover at the hospital for over a decade.

Significant Themes

• The chaotic and cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry, where power, money, and connections are valued above talent and appearance.
• The importance of money and background in protecting individuals from exploitation and unspoken rules in the industry.
• The dedication and perseverance of individuals driven by strong emotions, such as Saito Ichigo's love for Hoshino Ai.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Kurokawa Akane: Duanmu Huai tries to reassure Akane about the previous night, while Akane is still nervous and uncertain.
• Duanmu Huai and Saito Ichigo: They discuss the suspect, Shinboku Hikaru, and Duanmu Huai agrees to help investigate further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kurokawa Akane returns to practice, showing more enthusiasm, but Arima Kana notices her growing closeness with Duanmu Huai.
• Duanmu Huai receives the paternity test results confirming Shinboku Hikaru as Ruby's father.
• Duanmu Huai decides to make Shinboku Hikaru's life difficult, planning to expose his past actions.

Character Developments

• Kurokawa Akane: Shows increased interest in Duanmu Huai, causing Arima Kana's concern.
• Duanmu Huai: Becomes determined to expose Shinboku Hikaru's past actions, showing her resolve and strategic thinking.
• Arima Kana: Shows concern for Duanmu Huai's well-being, revealing her caring side.

Significant Themes

• Love and sacrifice: Hoshino Ai's actions and Duanmu Huai's thoughts on love.
• Consequences of past actions: Shinboku Hikaru's past catching up to him.
• Friendship and concern: Arima Kana's worry for Duanmu Huai.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Arima Kana: Discuss Kurokawa Akane's behavior and Duanmu Huai's plans regarding Shinboku Hikaru.
• Duanmu Huai and Saito Ichigo: Discuss the paternity test results and Duanmu Huai's plans to expose Shinboku Hikaru.
• Duanmu Huai and Kurokawa Akane: Kurokawa Akane shows increased interest in Duanmu Huai, causing Arima Kana's concern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tokyo BLADE stage play performance begins, featuring three Berry PRO artists: Ruby, MEM, and Toyohama Waka.
• The play's plot revolves around a battle between groups, with Duanmu Huai's character, White Oni, initially appearing calm and unassuming.
• Mid-performance, White Oni's true nature is revealed, and she unleashes a terrifying killing intent, causing panic among the audience and actors.
• The climax features White Oni challenging the protagonist group, with the audience cheering for the heroes.

Character Developments

• Duanmu Huai's (White Oni) character evolves from calm and unassuming to terrifying and tyrannical, revealing her desire to rule the world and destroy those who stand in her way.
• Kurokawa Akane (Saya Hime) and Arima Kana (Sword Ceremony) face their fears and prepare to confront White Oni.
• The audience members become emotionally invested, cheering for their favorite characters as if they're in a real battle.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between appearances and true nature.
• The power of emotional investment and immersion in a performance.
• The impact of a character's aura and presence on an audience.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai's White Oni interacts with the audience and actors, instilling fear and unease.
• Ruby, MEM, and Toyohama Waka watch the performance together, discussing and reacting to the events on stage.
• The actors on stage, particularly Kurokawa Akane and Arima Kana, prepare to face White Oni's challenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tokyo BLADE's first performance is a huge success, with the audience's excitement nearly disrupting the show.
• The actors are exhausted after the performance, particularly from countering Duanmu Huai's intense killing intent.
• Duanmu Huai reveals she finds the performance intensity "routine" and isn't tired.
• The stage play runs for a month, and the cast becomes busy with work, except for Duanmu Huai who declines most offers.
• Duanmu Huai watches news about a scandal involving Kurogane, a councilor, and plans to deal with her backer first.

Character Developments

• Arima Kana and Kurokawa Akane are exhausted after the performance but proud of their work.
• Duanmu Huai shows no signs of fatigue after the intense performance, demonstrating her exceptional acting skills and stamina.
• Duanmu Huai's laziness and selective approach to work are highlighted, with her refusing to take on more projects despite her success.
• Duanmu Huai shows a calculating and ruthless side when planning to deal with Shinboku Hikaru's backer.

Significant Themes

• The intense pressure and demands of acting, particularly in high-stakes performances.
• The contrast between Duanmu Huai's exceptional talent and her lack of drive or ambition in her career.
• The ruthless and cutthroat nature of politics and business, as seen through Duanmu Huai's plans to take down Shinboku Hikaru's backer.

Character Interactions

• Arima Kana and Kurokawa Akane express their exhaustion and admiration for Duanmu Huai's performance.
• Duanmu Huai reveals her lack of fatigue and dismisses the performance's intensity as "routine."
• Duanmu Huai and Ruby discuss her lack of participation in variety shows and her focus on her phone.
• Duanmu Huai watches news about Kurogane's scandal, hinting at her plans to deal with Shinboku Hikaru's backer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shinboku Hikaru, the Club President of MEDIA EYES, faces legal trouble as the company's accounts are frozen and business activities halted due to suspected illicit money dealings with a Senator.
• Duanmu Huai, aware of the situation, plans to use media influence to put Shinboku Hikaru under the spotlight and investigate him further.
• A tabloid reporter under Duanmu Huai's control captures a photo of Shinboku Hikaru with Yura Katayose, a popular actress, which Duanmu Huai plans to leak to the media to create suspicion of black money flowing into the entertainment industry.
• Ruby expresses concern about her relationship with Hoshino Ai being revealed due to her room filled with Ai's posters, but Duanmu Huai reassures her it's not an issue.
• Duanmu Huai encounters Sakurajima Mai dressed as a Bunny Girl in a library, unnoticed by others, and learns that she has an ability similar to his Stealth Ability.

Character Developments

• Shinboku Hikaru: Facing legal trouble, he remains calm and decides to handle the situation himself, acknowledging the severity but not the crippling nature of the damage.
• Duanmu Huai: He uses his media influence to manipulate public opinion and target Shinboku Hikaru, demonstrating his strategic thinking and manipulative skills.
• Ruby: She shows concern for her relationship with Hoshino Ai being revealed, indicating her growing self-awareness and anxiety about her public image.
• Sakurajima Mai: She is revealed to have an ability similar to Duanmu Huai's Stealth Ability, making her unnoticed by others when she doesn't want to be seen.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation of public opinion through media influence.
• The power dynamics between political figures and the entertainment industry.
• The consequences of illicit activities and the struggle to maintain a public image.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Shinboku Hikaru: Their conflict escalates as Duanmu Huai uses his media influence to target Shinboku Hikaru.
• Duanmu Huai and Ruby: They have a sisterly conversation about Ruby's concerns regarding her relationship with Hoshino Ai.
• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai: They encounter each other, and Duanmu Huai learns about Sakurajima Mai's ability, similar to his own.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sakurajima Mai discovers she's become invisible to others a few days ago.
• She meets Duanmu Huai in a coffee shop, where neither of them can be seen or heard by the staff or other customers.
• Sakurajima Mai reveals she stopped her activities after her manager (mother) unilaterally decided to shoot a swimsuit photo album without her consent.
• Duanmu Huai suggests Sakurajima Mai try physical contact with others, but she fails to make an impact on a delinquent in the coffee shop.
• Sakurajima Mai leaves, and Duanmu Huai learns about her situation from Arima Kana. He then instructs the company's lawyers to send a cease-and-desist letter to prevent the photo album's release.

Character Developments

• Sakurajima Mai: Struggles with her invisibility and the betrayal by her mother. She's conflicted about her desire for attention and her current situation.
• Duanmu Huai: Shows empathy and understanding towards Sakurajima Mai's situation. He's calm and assertive in handling the photo album issue.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and trust issues (Sakurajima Mai's mother selling her out)
• Desire for attention vs. invisibility (Sakurajima Mai's internal conflict)
• The impact of a celebrity's actions on their career and reputation (Sakurajima Mai's swimsuit photo album)

Character Interactions

• Sakurajima Mai and Duanmu Huai: They share their experiences and provide support to each other. Duanmu Huai tries to help Sakurajima Mai find a solution to her invisibility problem.
• Duanmu Huai and Arima Kana: They discuss Sakurajima Mai's situation, and Duanmu Huai seeks Arima Kana's input on the matter.
• Duanmu Huai and the company's lawyers: Duanmu Huai instructs them to send a lawyer's letter to stop the release of Sakurajima Mai's photo album.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duanmu Huai, an influential figure in the entertainment industry, believes problems can be solved with money or violence.
• Sakurajima Mai's swimsuit photoshoot could negatively impact her pure image in the TV show "Now Sweet," leading to a potential legal issue.
• Duanmu Huai investigates Sakurajima Mai's mother's office and finds it exploitative but not unusual in the industry.
• Duanmu Huai helps Sakurajima Mai with the photoshoot issue, but it leads to a more significant problem: no one can see or hear her.
• Sakurajima Mai seeks help from Duanmu Huai, and they discover that she's being forgotten by everyone, including her colleagues and office.

Character Developments

• Duanmu Huai: Shows his influence and willingness to help Sakurajima Mai, demonstrating his power and concern for her.
• Sakurajima Mai: Experiences a crisis as she becomes invisible and inaudible to others, leading her to seek help from Duanmu Huai. She remains determined to find a solution.

Significant Themes

• The exploitation of artists in the entertainment industry.
• The importance of one's presence and recognition in society.
• The struggle of an individual against systemic issues.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai: Their relationship deepens as Duanmu Huai helps Sakurajima Mai, and she turns to him for support in her crisis.
• Sakurajima Mai and her mother: Their relationship is strained due to differing views on Sakurajima Mai's career and the photoshoot issue.
• Sakurajima Mai and the entertainment industry: She faces a significant challenge as she becomes increasingly forgotten and ignored by her peers and the industry at large.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duanmu Huai attempts various methods to make others perceive Sakurajima Mai, but none work.
• On the day of the script reading, Duanmu Huai suggests a unique method to help Sakurajima Mai regain her presence.
• Sakurajima Mai successfully participates in the script reading and her condition improves, but she still needs frequent "oral doses" from Duanmu Huai.
• Duanmu Huai plans to help Sakurajima Mai shine in episodes 12 and 13 to permanently regain her presence.

Character Developments

• Sakurajima Mai: Struggles with her invisibility issue, tries various methods, and finally agrees to Duanmu Huai's unique solution. Her condition improves, but she still needs help.
• Duanmu Huai: Continues to support Sakurajima Mai, using his ability and knowledge to help her. He remains calm and collected throughout the situation.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for recognition and presence in society.
• The power of human connection and support in overcoming adversity.
• The exploration of unique methods to solve unusual problems.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai: Their relationship deepens as they work together to solve Sakurajima Mai's problem. Duanmu Huai's calm and reassuring presence helps Sakurajima Mai make difficult decisions.
• Arima Kana: Briefly interacts with Sakurajima Mai and Duanmu Huai, showing recognition of Sakurajima Mai's presence but not remembering her immediately.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The filming of "Now Sweet" begins at a ski resort.
• Sakurajima Mai insists on practicing and filming on the advanced ski slope to increase her presence.
• A bear chases Mai while she's skiing, leading to a dangerous situation.
• Duanmu Huai saves Mai by jumping off a cliff with her.
• They become stranded in a snowstorm and decide to find shelter in the woods.

Character Developments

• Sakurajima Mai demonstrates her dedication to her craft by practicing diligently, but her increased presence attracts unwanted attention, like the bear.
• Duanmu Huai shows his bravery and skill by saving Mai from the bear and the fall, revealing his knowledge of kung fu.
• Mai and Duanmu Huai's bond strengthens as they face adversity together.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of increased presence and attention, as seen through Mai's encounters with the bear and the snowstorm.
• The importance of perseverance and dedication, as demonstrated by Mai's practice and Duanmu Huai's rescue.
• The power of friendship and camaraderie, as seen in Mai and Duanmu Huai's decision to stick together in the storm.

Character Interactions

• Arima Kana and Kurokawa Akane express concern for Mai's safety and admiration for her work ethic.
• Mai and Duanmu Huai's relationship deepens as they face a life-threatening situation together, leading to a moment of levity and shared humor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A blizzard traps the crew at a hotel, including Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai.
• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai find shelter in a mountain hut during their search for the missing crew member, Xiao Ai.

Character Developments

• Duanmu Huai: He demonstrates his survival skills and remains calm under pressure. He also shows confidence in his actions and is open about his feelings towards Sakurajima Mai.
• Sakurajima Mai: She shows vulnerability and admits her desire for love, but struggles with her feelings for Duanmu Huai due to his gender and her past experiences.

Significant Themes

• Survival and Adaptation: Duanmu Huai's wilderness survival skills help them find shelter and cope with the harsh conditions.
• Relationship and Attraction: The chapter explores the complexities of attraction and relationships, with Duanmu Huai expressing his feelings for Sakurajima Mai and her grappling with her own feelings.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai: They engage in a candid conversation about their feelings, with Duanmu Huai openly expressing his attraction to Sakurajima Mai, and she admitting her desire for love but struggling with her feelings due to his gender. They decide to sleep together to keep warm, leaving their relationship status ambiguous.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai spend the night in a mountain cabin due to a blizzard, sharing a bed.
• The next morning, they find they have no food, so they venture out to find some.
• Duanmu Huai catches fish by smashing a large stone into the river, stunning the fish and causing them to float to the surface.
• They encounter the same bear that had chased Sakurajima Mai earlier. Duanmu Huai fights and kills the bear.

Character Developments

• Sakurajima Mai shows concern for Duanmu Huai's well-being, offering him candy despite not having brushed her teeth.
• Duanmu Huai demonstrates his strength and bravery by fighting and killing the bear to protect Sakurajima Mai.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The characters must rely on their wits and resources to survive in the harsh mountain environment.
• Adversity bringing people together: Despite their initial animosity, Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai must work together to survive.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai's relationship evolves from hostility to grudging respect and cooperation.
• Duanmu Huai shows a protective side towards Sakurajima Mai, putting himself between her and the bear.
• Sakurajima Mai shows concern for Duanmu Huai's well-being, offering him food and worrying about his safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sakurajima Mai and Duanmu Huai catch and cook a bear for survival.
• They discuss Liangzi's feelings for the protagonist, with Mai realizing Liangzi's longing for family warmth.
• They have a hearty meal together, with Mai making fish soup and Duanmu Huai frying bear meat steaks.
• They discuss the saying "You can't have both fish and bear paw," with Duanmu Huai interpreting it as a lack of ability rather than an impossibility.

Character Developments

• Sakurajima Mai: Reflects on Liangzi's character and understands her longing for family warmth. Realizes her own desire for a warm family life.
• Duanmu Huai: Shows his survival skills and ability to adapt to harsh conditions. Reflects on the family problems common among artists in the entertainment industry.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation to harsh conditions.
• Longing for family warmth and a sense of belonging.
• The interpretation of the saying "You can't have both fish and bear paw" as a reflection of one's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Sakurajima Mai and Duanmu Huai work together to catch, clean, and cook the bear. They share a meal and discuss their thoughts on Liangzi's character and the saying "You can't have both fish and bear paw." Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai are rescued two days after going missing during a blizzard.
• The Director decides to use the bear-chasing scene from Sakurajima Mai's experience in the film, with the original author's approval.
• The second season of "Now Sweet" airs successfully, boosting Sakurajima Mai's popularity.
• Duanmu Huai becomes the target of nagging from her colleagues after they notice her empty schedule.

Character Developments

• Duanmu Huai remains laid-back and unconcerned about work, much to her colleagues' frustration.
• Sakurajima Mai's acting skills are recognized and praised by her peers.
• Ruby struggles with self-doubt about her suitability for the Center Position in B Komachi, due to comparisons with her mother, Hoshino Ai.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations that come with following in a famous parent's footsteps (Ruby's struggle with living up to her mother's legacy).
• The importance of finding one's unique identity and path in the entertainment industry (Duanmu Huai's advice to Ruby).

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Sakurajima Mai's friendship deepens, with Sakurajima Mai transferring to Berry PRO.
• Duanmu Huai's colleagues, including Arima Kana, Kurokawa Akane, and Ruby, express concern about her lack of work and try to motivate her.
• Duanmu Huai offers guidance and support to Ruby, helping her navigate her career struggles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duanmu Huai takes Ruby to meet Kurokawa Akane, who can embody characters through acting.
• Kurokawa Akane convincingly portrays Hoshino Ai (Ruby's mother) to help Ruby understand her mother's unique presence.
• Duanmu Huai takes Ruby to a second-tier music festival to compare idol performances and understand the value of each idol's shine.

Character Developments

• Ruby begins to understand the nuances of acting and the value of different idols.
• Ruby realizes her desire to stand on stage with her mother and become idols together.

Significant Themes

• The differences between actors and idols in terms of fan interaction and expectations.
• The value and uniqueness of each individual's shine, even in comparison to a legendary idol like Hoshino Ai.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai guides Ruby, helping her understand her feelings and the idol industry.
• Ruby interacts with Kurokawa Akane, witnessing her exceptional acting skills in embodying Hoshino Ai.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby's obsession with imitating Hoshino Ai is causing her distress.
• Duanmu Huai, aware of Ruby's issue, arranges for her to meet Kurokawa Akane, who can imitate Hoshino Ai better than Ruby.
• Ruby attends an idol concert with Duanmu Huai and realizes her true goal is to perform alongside Hoshino Ai, not become her.
• MEM and Toyohama Waka reveal they knew about Ruby's struggle but didn't intervene.
• MEM decides to come clean about her age to her fans and announces she's applying to university.

Character Developments

• Ruby: Recognizes her true aspirations and decides to change her image, moving away from imitating Hoshino Ai.
• MEM: Comes to terms with her age and decides to apply to university, demonstrating her resilience and adaptability.
• Duanmu Huai: Shows understanding and support for Ruby's growth, guiding her towards self-acceptance.

Significant Themes

• Authenticity vs. Imitation: Ruby's journey towards embracing her true self instead of imitating Hoshino Ai.
• Truth and Lies: The complexities of truth and lies, and how they can coexist in one's public and private personas.
• Growth and Change: Both Ruby and MEM undergo significant changes, accepting their past mistakes and moving forward.

Character Interactions

• Duanmu Huai and Ruby: Duanmu Huai acts as a mentor and guide, helping Ruby understand her true aspirations.
• Ruby, MEM, and Toyohama Waka: The trio discusses Ruby's image change, with MEM and Toyohama Waka offering advice and support.
• MEM and her fans: MEM comes clean about her age, and her fans respond with a mix of surprise, disappointment, and humor.