Love Live! Nijigasaki 2.4: Divalicious

Right off the bat viewers should know this episode had very little to do with traditional love triangles. The next one gives off way more vibes than this.

We began with the gang talking about QU4RTZ’ successful performance with the four members mentioning how different it felt being in a group compared to solo shows. As Kasumin encouraged the other five to step up their game Miss Ai announced her desire to broadcast an online concert in hopes of reaching viewers who wanted to watch live but couldn’t. The sleepy beauty was the first to fully support her idea. She also wanted to form a unit but didn’t know where to start. As if guided by fate Emma asked Karin if she wanted to team up with the others but she considered herself a solo act.

After the OP we joined Karin checking out sweet panda gear when Miss Ai surprised her with a special guest. Her older sister…figure Misato. We got a cute montage of the three hanging out but before we get to the main topic we learned Miss Ai’s family ran a manjou shop and that she used to be shy until Misato helped her become more social and open up.

Throughout their trip Karin noticed something bothering Misato. The next day she found her at a bookstore looking up English books. Part of her wanted to study overseas but the problem was she’d been in and out of the hospital for a long time and the day prior Miss Ai invited her out to celebrate finally being released. However, Misato didn’t have the courage to follow her dream. Karin asked if she told Miss Ai about this but she felt it best not to burden her and continue rooting for her on the sidelines. As soon as Misato left Miss Ai texted Karin to meet up. To Karin’s surprise Miss Ai could also tell something was off with Misato. She asked for advice on what to do. Karin said it best to leave her alone for the time being but Miss Ai was too worried and rushed over to meet her.

Miss Ai asked Misato if there’s anything she could do to cheer her up. She said “nothing”. When she’s in the hospital many of her old classmates slowly stopped coming to visit. She slowly lost hope. Miss Ai was the only one who never stopped coming and she cherished her visits. However, when she announced becoming a school idol it dawned on her. Everyone got to live their dreams but her. She grew somewhat bitter of others, especially Miss Ai, who got to have what she didn’t. She felt directionless, not knowing what brought her happiness anymore. Miss Ai asked if she enjoyed their trip the day prior but Misato turned around and said she’d support her on the sidelines.

The next day Karin talked to Miss Ai about the meeting with Misato. She felt lost. If she couldn’t put a smile on the person who helped change her life then maybe there’s no point in being a school idol. Karin proceeded to show her some tough love, proclaiming to “steal” her fans and Misato away. It didn’t take long for Miss Ai to break out of her fun and declare her desire to be a school idol for a long time. That’s the spirit Karin wanted to see from her raivaru. Miss Ai asked her to form a unit but Karin didn’t want to do it out of pity. Miss Ai meant as a raivaru competing to be the “favorite” member. She’s like “Now you’re talking” and thus we got DiverDiva.

Excellent.

I was expecting a steamier performance from DiverDiva but it’s more cool than hot. Makes sense as Lianzhu already gave the cultured raging otaku boners. I know a friend whose heart will melt watching this for one brief moment. You’ll know when you see it dood. Misato, who was ashamed of herself, wanted to apologize but wasn’t brave enough. Having seen the raw passion in Miss Ai’s speech and the performance gave her the courage to finally do it. All was well. The next day she revealed to be a Karin fan too, mainly as a raivaru to be Miss Ai’s equal. To grow stronger she would follow her dream of studying overseas.

Time for more on the newcomers, specifically Shioriko as there’s nothing to report on the other two. During the latest seitokai meeting everyone agreed she’d be in charge of overseeing both SIF 2 and the Cultural festival since it’s technically her idea and she showed lots of forward thinking. After the ED we joined her at Lanzhu’s latest show as promised last episode. Afterward she told her that seeing her perform made it clear to her that people are meant to be on the stage best suited for them. Before Lanzhu could ask what she meant a surprise beauty appeared.

Similar olive color and fang. Yup. Definitely Shioriko’s nee-san.

Great stuff as always. What surprised me most was of the three newcomers I didn’t expect to be the most intrigued by Shioriko’s story. Maybe because hers so far is the most mysterious. Lanzhu’s I’m waiting to hear her true story while Mia I’m just waiting to see what she’s like after her icy heart thaws.

As always no mobile game spoilers.

Next time it’s A.Zu.Na. origin time, meaning potential Ayumu vs Setsuna stuff. Hopefully.