Love Live! Superstar!! 2.3: Quest Crossroad #3

Still aiming for gold our heroines come across yet another crossroad on their quest for redemption.

I know someone who probably went bananas when Sumire finally said “the thing” in S2 this episode.

During training Ren got a text from the Yoyogi School Idol Festival inviting Liella to participate in the competition. Not only that but they’re the closing act/main event so a big deal indeed. It’s also an opportunity to become more than the group that got name dropped by the champs.

Speaking of Sunny Passion what caught Kanon’s attention was they wouldn’t be at the festival because they’re focused on their “farewell tour”, it being their last year of high school and all. Anyway Kanon finally asked why they name dropped Liella during the interview. It’s like they said Liella were the ones who impressed them the most. Even so they’re aiming to win Love Live! again, not only becoming back to back winners but engraving their name in history as the greatest “Raivarus” of the franchise. Better than A-RISE, Saint Snow and one more soon to be revealed. Kanon gave them her full support but they’re like “You know for us to become legends we have to beat you again, right?”

Next day Kanon’s about to train when Kinako showed up. Following Keke’s training regimen paid off. She said it’s also thanks to the encouraging words of a certain (redhead) first year. Kanon’s elated because it meant their efforts to show the first years they’re approachable were working. They even got a fan letter and power juice.

They’re courtesy of Mei. As she celebrated her heroines enjoying her gifts Dr Shiki asked why not show them your support in person. She’s like “Are you kiddin’?” and the doc had an expression that said “I love you babe but you’re an idiot”. She’d again quietly support her beloved redhead later on. The next episode hints they’ll be the main focus so maybe we’ll find out why Mei doesn’t want to openly fangirl.

Later Kanon’s still having doubts. She told Chisato about her chat with SunnyPa and seeing how hard they worked to become legends and spread the gospel of their home island thought maybe the only way Liella could etch their name in history and bring justice to Yu(r)igaoka was to win the championship. Currently she thought their biggest claim to fame was being name dropped by the champs. Chisato said everyone giving their all to be the best was also fulfilling in and of itself. Kanon agreed it’s a great feeling. After Chisato left to attend family matters the mystery babe showed herself to Kanon. She’s like “You’re one of the favorites to win Love Live!, right? Show me your moves right now or do you think you’re not all that, hmmm?”. Chisato heard Kanon’s surprised reaction but after a quick glance away the babe disappeared.

Backstage at the concert mystery babe, Margarethe Wien, again called Kanon. Using a magic butterfly (she can teleport too) she lured her to watch her performance. It reminded me of Reflect Moon from Aikatsu Friends! Good stuff. Dunno if her incredible power played a role in their defeat but they got an honorable mention for a second year. Kanon felt they let their fans and the school down by failing again. She later found out that not only was Margarethe a third year middle school idol prodigy but moved into the dorm next door. She heard about the competition in Love Live, especially Liella but was unimpressed by their performance. Kanon’s like “We’re not one of the favorites to win the gold. We just got name dropped by SunnyPa”. Margarethe’s like “So I wasted my time…though you are an okay singer at least.” Miss Wien won’t let SunnyPa win “best raivaru in the franchise” without a fight.

The next day as our heroines felt kinda down they got a surprise celebration from their Yu(r)igaoka sisters proud of their accomplishment. Kanon’s puzzled because they didn’t but the girls were like “We know how hard you all work and these trophies you won show it isn’t in vain. You don’t need to win big to be our inspiration. You already inspire us to be great. You’re our Superstars!!” A huge weight was lifted off their shoulders. No longer do they feel they HAVE to win to achieve greatness. They’ll kick ass as hard as they can.

This was also an important moment for Kinako who blamed herself for Liella not winning at the festival. They put on a “thank you for your support” performance to bring joy to the fans and themselves. Refreshed and ready to rock once more.

Great stuff as always. Next time it looks like the doctor and her beloved redhead tsundere will get the spotlight.