Aikatsu!: First Season Episode List

1- "Watashi ga Aidoru ni Nattemo?" ("I Can Become an Idol?")
(私がアイドルになっても？)

Airdate: October 8, 2012

A young girl takes an order from a customer inside of a shop known as Nandemo Bento. She reveals herself to be Ichigo Hoshimiya, a first-year middle school student. As they finish the bento they express how great it came out until Ichigo points out that they have more customers. While working, Ichigo begins a narrative; saying that while she worked with her mother, she never would have imagined that she could of became an idol.

She returns to Nandemo Bento later in the day and everyone starts to clean up. Her mother suddenly tells her that she should do something for herself, rather then spend all of her time helping at the shop. But Ichigo doesn't understand until Ringo explains how it was her dream to one day run a Bento Shop. This is not Ichigo's own dream, so she should go out to find it. Ichigo claims that she wants to do this though, and how she hopes to one day run the shop with her mother, then she leaves to check on her brother; whom she finds acting rather suspiciously.

Curious, Ichigo makes an attempt to get a better look and surprises Raichi. He asks her why she isn't working, but as she tries to get a better look at what he is trying to hide, he accidentally knocks over the glass of juice he had sitting nearby and it spills all over the pictures on his desk. Raichi begins to panic and tries drying them as Ichigo grabs some napkins and observes them a bit. She finds out they belong to a current Top Idol, Mizuki Kanzaki. Ichigo asks Raichi if he likes Mizuki, but he dodges this by complaining over how she ruined his pictures. It's then Ichigo comments on his surprising interest in Idols, and Raichi points out that Mizuki isn't any type of an Idol - she is the greatest Idol. He was really hoping to attend her show but the tickets have already sold out.

Feeling remorse for what she did, Ichigo starts thinking over things and decides to speak with her friend, Aoi Kiriya, a fellow Idol fanatic.

The following day at school she does just that, and asks Aoi how to go about getting tickets for an upcoming performance. Aoi is surprised since Ichigo has never shown an interest in idols before, but she agrees to try to help her out.

Once school ends they meet up with Raichi and introduces him to Aoi. Knowing what Ichigo accidentally did, she gives Raichi some Mizuki merchandise that she didn't mind sparing. Raichi becomes ecstatic at this when Ichigo asks why he couldn't just see the performance on television. Both Aoi and Raichi refuse, and tell her that Idol performances are better seen in person. The concept goes right over Ichigo's head though, and she isn't able to realize why this is such a big deal. Aoi goes on to express concern over how difficult it may be to get tickets for Mizuki - due to an increase in difficulty lately. However, she managed to score three of them and explains through a long, complicated recollection of how she obtained them.

Later on while in bed, Raichi discusses with Ichigo how excited he is. She agrees that she is also excited, but warns him that it is very important that they get some sleep. Raichi confesses that he is worried that he wont wake up in time for the performance, although Ichigo is able to calm him down enough to help him sleep. But Ichigo finds herself distracted, wondering why Idols are so popular anyway.

When morning arrives the trio head to the concert. They enter the performance area and are given the antenna devices that audience members use. Aoi explains how these pieces work and they look to see how full the stadium is. All with people to see Mizuki, who soon appears as her wonderful idol aura fills the crowd with excitement. She then begins her stage performance of Move on Now!. As the performance goes on, Raichi and Aoi cheer with the rest of the audience members while Ichigo simply stands and listens with amazement.

Later at home, Raichi shares everything with their mother as Ichigo sits on the couch with feelings of discontent. Seemingly in a daze she excuses herself and heads up to their bedroom, where she starts to think about the excitement she felt watching Mizuki. She had never seen anything like it before, and feels she is too excited to even sleep.

Come morning, Ringo arrives with her grocery goods and sees Ichigo and Raichi watching a playback performance of Mizuki from yesterday. Ichigo goes to help with her groceries and claims she would have gone shopping with her if she asked, then goes right back to watching the performance as Raichi voices how happy he was when Ichigo came with him.

Aoi suddenly bursts into the Hoshimiya home and tells Ichigo the same thing before handing them a guide book involving a school. Raichi noticed the book is about Starlight Academy and Ichigo is quick to question it. Aoi explains to them that Starlight Academy is Japan's number one idol school and how all of the students who attend it are active idols. They have lessons every day using the Aikatsu System; which is a series of Cards and the key to any performance. All idols in the world uses the Aikatsu Cards and they can choose how to look on stage. Students partake in "idol activities", and she stops for a moment to explain how "Aikatsu" is formed with it. Before they resume, Raichi mentions how Mizuki attends this very school, then they look at an image of her in the uniform.

Aoi also tells her that the top student in school is none other than Mizuki, then points out how the upcoming entrance exam is approaching. She plans on taking it, which impresses Ichigo; but she expresses a sadness in knowing that since Aoi will get in, this would mean they would be attending two separate schools. But Aoi reveals how she wishes for Ichigo to come and join Starlight Academy too, which causes everyone a great deal of surprise. Aoi explains her reasoning by saying that Ichigo has the scent of an idol in her and she is sure they would both have a lot of fun.

Eventually night time comes, as does dinner. Ichigo is pretty distracted with her thoughts, which Ringo notices. Raichi expresses his thoughts on her interest in becoming an idol, although Ichigo quickly dismisses the idea before he can determine if she actually wants to do this or not. Then she resumes eating dinner.

Later on in her bedroom, Ichigo resumes thought over idoling and attending this new school. While she thinks it would be a lot of fun to become an idol, just like Mizuki, she recalls her desire to one day run the Bento Shop alongside her mother. But Ringo comes by the room and tells Ichigo that she should do what she wants and feels may be the best.

The next day, Aoi and Ichigo goes to perform "special training" for the entrance exam. They practice their performance and get plenty of exercise. While it is a little difficult, Ichigo expresses joy in having finally gained a dream to call her own, but she is still hesitant as she doesn't know if she can do this or not.

Eventually the Entrance Exam comes along. Ichigo and Aoi stand in a long line of applicants for the exam and while there, Aoi happens to mention how difficult she heard the exam is. In hopes of keeping them focused, Ichigo attempts to raise their spirits and head through the door before Ichigo resumes narration. She explains the procedures in the entrance exam, including a test and interview portion.

Soon they realize how well everyone has been doing so far and Ichigo grows anxious again. Aoi keeps her encouraged by saying that she was meant to become an idol, then informs her that it is time for the audition. She tells her to do her best and they step into separate empty rooms.

In there, Ichigo finds a table with some cards on it and a voice announces that this is part of the exam. She is instructed to choose three cards from the table, and once Ichigo chooses she heads to the door in the middle of the room. She approaches a booth at the opposite end of the hall and places the cards into the machine, causing it to light up and open its door. Before she steps inside though, Ichigo gives herself a last second of encouragement.

After reappearing, Ichigo performs to Idol Activity!.

At the conclusion of her performance, Mizuki, who is among the judges, notes that she was amazed to see how fast Ichigo was able to perform a Special Appeal, since new applicants aren't able to do them right away, if at all.

With that, Ichigo and Aoi turn their attention to the announcement screen and look to see that only ten girls have been accepted. They are very delighted to find out that they are two of the ten, but unknown to them a student is behind a corner observing them. The mysterious girl comments that while the girls passed together, they only have a short time to remain friends before she walks away.

2- "Aidoru ga Ippai!" ("Idols Everywhere!")
(アイドルがいっぱい！)

Airdate: October 15, 2012

The sun sits tall at Nandemo Bento. Ichigo and Aoi show Raichi their brand new school uniforms and he decides to take pictures of them; though he mostly spends the time focusing on Aoi. Who claims that today is the day to celebrate being accepted into Starlight Academy and goes on to discuss how much their first autographs will be worth. Having been watching them, Ringo asks if she and Raichi can join in on the fun so they all begin to pose for pictures.

Ichigo and Aoi take their leave for the Academy soon afterwards, and upon arrival at the gate, Aoi says that once they step past it their Idol Activities will begin. They wish each other good luck before Aoi voices that no matter what was to happen to them while they are here, they will always be friends.

Meanwhile, the headmistress of the school tells Mizuki that Ichigo and Aoi have enrolled into the academy. She mentions that they will be taking part in that audition, which is coming up in a few days. Mizuki also notes that the two are best friends and Orihime starts to wonder what would become of them as they are studying.

At this point Aoi finds her idol expert instincts kicking in after she spots a bunch of girls she is able to recognize. Like Neguchan, a young girl who is known for her unique bedhead hair; a single, long cowlick with a heart on the end of it. She also spots Naomin, who had surpassed much of the modern day dance choreography and even made up her own, Su-pyon, known for her exotic appearance, and even a girl named Perorin. With that she expresses glee in finally joining Starlight Academy, then she grabs her cellphone and takes a picture of herself, then one of Ichigo.

They come to the entrance of the building and take a self-given tour of it while Aoi explains various features. They will learn dancing, singing, coordination, and many other things. When they reach a special hallway decorated with statues of previous students who have moved on to become famous idols or gained the title of "top idol". She identifies a statue pair as Masquerade, telling Ichigo about the two mysterious girls. One being Hime, the headmistress of this academy, but the identity of the other girl, Miya, is unknown. They both became national-level idols and while during their time when they soared their highest in popularity, but they "suddenly" retired. Hime became the headmistress of Starlight Academy, while Miya was never seen again after she left.

They head to the dorms and into their new room. Ichigo places down a holographic picture frame on her desk as Aoi hangs up a poster of Mizuki. In this time, Ichigo starts to wonder if she has what it takes to become a famous idol like Mizuki. Sensing this, Aoi starts to encourage her again, and Ichigo returns the favor. It is then Aoi wonders if they really have enough room for the both of them, and out of concern Ichigo goes to speak with Orihime with her.

While standing outside of the door, Aoi tries to explain how to be proper when approaching someone of her status - but she is appalled when Ichigo shows a lack of tact and walks right inside.

They approach Orihime, who mentions that she was expecting them before introducing herself and formally congratulates the girls. She makes note of how Ichigo was able to perform a Special Appeal during the audition, which is something she doesn't see that often. Ichigo replied it only "sort of happened" before Orihime goes on to mention how Aoi got the top scores on the exam. Aoi thanks her and Orihime sets down a tray with the three cards they used previously in the exam and tells the girls they will be using them; Ichigo regaining her Pink Stage Coord while Aoi her Blue Stage Coord.

It is then Orihime tells the two of them that the cards will be their primary card type choices, then she places down another tray which contains their Student ID Cards and their Aikatsu Phone. She tells that the phones have the ability to activate the Aikatsu System, as well as store their outfits as digital data. Amazed, Ichigo asks if Mizuki also uses the phone, which Orihime confirms. In fact, she says that to all performers, "these cards are life itself" and that the two would be using various cards to customize their outfits and stages, just like Mizuki and the other students.

Before they go, she informs them that they must take all sorts of auditions to win prizes to help their future performances, as well as the fact that they all depend on the lessons they will be taking right now. She also wishes them luck and has them introduce themselves to their homeroom teacher, a man named Johnny Bepp. Aoi is able to recognize his name and mentions that he is an Artisan Dancer, and has even taught Mizuki all of her choreography.

He slams open the doors suddenly to reveal himself and approaches the somewhat anxious, nervous teenagers. He shows them a little dance, then shakes both of their hands before leading them to his homeroom, where he introduces the girls to the other students and has them introduce themselves.

After class, Johnny informs Ichigo and Aoi that their first audition has already been decided. It is a "super special" audition just for new students, which Aoi questions. Johnny said that a normal audition would be only photo shoots, radio, and TV shows. The special one, on the other hand, is for the role to become a temporary manager of Mizuki for a day. This delights both of them as Johnny continues on to say that this is was specifically made for new students to learn how a top idol does her job. The winner will get to follow Mizuki around, but as only one girl can win it, they will be competing against each other; but he tells them that as this is a rare event he does not want to see either girl hold anything back.

The girls go to change into their training track suit uniforms while Aoi admits that she anticipated this. Although Ichigo clearly never did and reveals that. Regardless, she refuses to hold back and they go to work, beginning with their lessons from Johnny. They dance, sing, run laps, and even partake in some crazier events, such as extreme handshaking. While Aoi is able to perform well with everything, Ichigo struggles and has a tough time keeping up.

By the time classes end, Ichigo feels as though Aoi may be too good for her and asks how she can try this hard. Aoi replies that it's because she really wants to become an idol, and it's been this way since first grade, where she loved to watch idols. Back when she was younger she had tried getting into all sorts of traditional hobbies, like Calligraphy, Piano, Equestrianism, and Violin.

One day while walking down the street she had just happened to notice on television something about Idols. She was instantly taken by their singing and dances, and since then she started her personal hobby of watching idols. As her passion grew over the years she realized that she had gained the desire to become one herself and sat down with her parents to reveal her new dream. She told them that she wanted to study at Starlight Academy and they agreed and let her apply. She was so happy to be able to follow this dream, especially with Ichigo.

After hearing this tale, Ichigo begins to think to herself again. It encourages her to want to try even harder and she will definitely see to it that she gives it her all.

Eventually the two girls find themselves in an empty room with a trio of doors. A voice announces to them that the Special Audition is about to start and it instructs the girls to choose their three Aikatsu Cards to create their outfits, then take to the stage. Ichigo wishes Aoi luck and they each go through a separate door, leading to the booth that will take them onto the stage.

They place their three cards down, including the School ID on the crests before them, then head into the Magical Door that appears, leading them into the Magic Corridor. They run through it and appear in their Stage Coords; with Ichigo donning Pink Stage, and Aoi with the Blue Stage.

As they arrive on the stage, the announcer explains that their scores will be decided by the audience from the live audience at the school, as well as people who watch it through the internet. This impresses Ichigo to hear of this, and they begin their performance and sing Idol Activity!. But out of nowhere, Ichigo trips and falls straight onto the floor. She is momentarily surprised but quickly recovers and finishes the performance.

However, after it ends, Johnny announces to his class that it was Aoi who won. Everyone applauds her for doing so well, as does Ichigo.

Eventually night falls and the girls have retired to their dorm room. A bit concerned over things, Ichigo decides to go outside, where she reaches the Gazebo and recalls the performance. She found it pretty fun but she feels badly that Aoi won in the end, and now she feels slightly envious.

It is then someone calls out to her, and to her surprise she sees Mizuki. She comments on the audition and mentions that despite Ichigo screwing up, she followed through to the very end. Ichigo thanks Mizuki for such words, then tells her that she hopes to become a top idol like her, which was why she decided to attend the Academy with Aoi. Mizuki tells Ichigo that no matter how close the two are, or how much closer they may become, they will not be together very long. A lot of idols suffer from failure, but it is part of the career, and the challenges will just become harder as she presses on.

With a look of concern, Ichigo claims she will do her best and Mizuki decides to bid her a good night and begins to walk away while wondering if Ichigo can catch up to her.

3- "Anata o Motto Shiritakute" ("I Wanted to Know More About You")
(あなたをもっと知りたくて)

Airdate: October 22, 2012

While preparing tea, Ichigo thinks back to what Mizuki told her earlier: She and Aoi won't rise together to the top as friends. Although she took her advice, she continues to stay by Aoi. She comes to their dorm room to find Aoi contemplating herself on picking up Mizuki in such a short time, when Ichigo reminds her to get some sleep. Aoi claims to be fine and tells her that as Mizuki's manager, she needs to know a lot more about her. Ichigo tries to reassure her by saying she already does know everything about Mizuki, then comments on how nervous she would be to work with the top idol.

Aoi then says that Mizuki is at the top, all alone, while she and Ichigo are on the bottom. She also mentions how Mizuki began her career as an idol during her fourth year at Elementary School, starting as a child model. Then she spent a year with no public appearance at all, but she has no idea why that is, other then it being "something very big" for it to have changed her to who she is now. As soon as her hiatus was over she enrolled in Starlight Academy with pristine song and dance skills.

Hearing this causes Ichigo to admit how envious she is over Aoi getting to spend time with Mizuki now, and observes the poster of her nearby while wondering what she does normally. They theorize if she may be covering up a clumsy personality, or if she enjoys eating, but Aoi claims that she will get to know more about her, although Ichigo is still convinced that Aoi already knows a lot.

When morning arrives, Ichigo wakes up and proclaims she has overslept. She sees Aoi nearby, already dressed and quickly hurries to get ready. After exiting the dorm they part ways and Aoi starts to think back to when Orihime explained how Starlight Academy also trains managers for the top idol. While Aoi is Mizuki's temporary manager, this is a valuable opportunity to learn what being a top idol truly is.

Aoi arrives at Mizuki Palace, Mizuki's private dorm, and walks towards it while thinking about how much she has heard of this place, but never believed that she would get the chance to go inside of it. She enters the house to find that it is about 5 o'clock in the morning. She believes first she must wake Mizuki, but hears sound from the room nearby. As Aoi approaches it, Mizuki surprises her by opening the door first. Aoi tries to introduce herself to her, but a woman nearby recognizes her and approaches to introduce herself as Honoka Tsukikage, Mizuki's regular manager. Mizuki wishes Aoi luck for today and Aoi observes her as she elegantly walks out of the door. For a moment she is distracted until Honoka snaps her out of it.

Outside of the gates where a van is, Ichigo has disguised herself and is hiding behind some bushes. She is determined to come with Mizuki and Aoi, then wonders how she can get into the van without being caught. But when she spots a boy sweeping the ground, she hides behind him, much to his confusion. She explains the situation to him and he moves towards the back of the Van, allowing her to hop inside. He expresses confusion at Ichigo's strange behavior when Honoka notices him. She addresses him as Suzukawa, and he shuts the trunk for her. He glances to Ichigo again as Honoka thanks him, but he pretends not to notice her as it drives away.

Inside the van, Honoka hands over their daily schedule for Mizuki as Aoi skims through it. To her surprise, she sees a lot of things that Mizuki must do and they arrive at a studio, where Mizuki is escorted by a staff member while Aoi and Honoka go to the back of the van to grab the bags. But when they open the trunk they find Ichigo. Honoka questions her intrusion and Ichigo comments that she wanted to be Mizuki's manager and asks to join them. Honoka denies her access and asks Ichigo to leave, but Mizuki approaches them upon noticing their distraction and allows Ichigo to be her second manager, having heard the conversation. Honoka tries explaining to her that Aoi won the audition competition the other day but Mizuki still insists to let Ichigo in since she finds her "interesting". She kindly asks Ichigo to help carry the bags - leaving Ichigo happy and Honoka slightly annoyed.

Aoi is rather doubtful over what Ichigo did just to come along and finds it quite suspicious, but Ichigo claims she didn't want to miss seeing what Mizuki does backstage. She wanted to find out why Mizuki thinks she is interesting as well, and Aoi agrees to understanding her desires. Honoka then comes along and tells the girls to get to work, so they head to the rec room, where they find Mizuki record a song. Aoi voices her surprise in finding out that the crew records songs so early, and Honoka mentions that they usually don't since it can be hard to sing well in the morning.

They watch Mizuki sing before she receives a few compliments from the man nearby. The girls acknowledge her skills, with Honoka telling them that Mizuki will always give the perfect performance. They then head over to another location where Mizuki is a guest star on a news talk show. They discuss the Consumption Tax, then she does a lottery activity about feelings. Later on, she goes out to model in a photo-shoot for a fashion magazine, then goes to a fan meet and greet event.

From all of these activities Aoi is able to deduce the Mizuki does everything perfect. Every single time, as a real prodigy. But Honoka steps in to tell them that she isn't a prodigy, which makes them highly confused.

Eventually people gather around the Stadium where Mizuki will be performing. In the waiting area, she browses her Aikatsu Card album to choose a coord, then Honoka wishes her to do her best. Before going though, Mizuki hands over her Aikatsu Phone to the girls, asking them to hold on to it for her. She enters the room with the Aikatsu System and places her card set into the device. She runs through the corridor and appears dressed in the chosen coord set, then appears on stage, singing to a rhythmic, tropical upbeat music.

As night begins to set everyone arrives back to the gates of Mizuki Manor. She returns to it while Ichigo and Aoi decide to chill for a while at the Gazebo. They relax sometime later while finishing their day, but Ichigo suddenly realizes that she held onto Mizuki's phone and forgot to return it. So they head back to the Manor and enter to hear the faintest music coming from a room nearby. As this indicates that Mizuki is still awake, Ichigo knocks on the door to find it open, then they peak in to find Mizuki dancing. So to avoid interruption they leave and decide to return later on.

In the process of doing this however, Aoi accidentally knocks over a potted plant, causing Mizuki to come find them. She seems to be exhausted and Ichigo nervously returns her Aikatsu Phone. Mizuki thanks them and wishes a good evening to the girls and they begin to leave again. But before they get far they run into Honoka, who comments that she is aware of how much they look up to her. She decides to tell the girls about Mizuki, starting with how she claims that she is not as popular they think she is. Mizuki just happens to train a lot harder then anyone else, and she is not perfect all of the time.

In this time Aoi thinks back to the day that Mizuki did not appear for something and realizes that her time was spent on extensive training. Honoka said that she hasn't ever seen an idol with such endurance more-so then Mizuki, and then she talks to Ichigo and comments that the reason Mizuki called her interesting was because she saw a bright potential in her. She was the only girl who was able to use a Special Appeal at her entrance audition. She goes on to mention that for the girls to catch up to Mizuki they have to put more effort into everything they do, even more then Mizuki. Which causes Ichigo to think back to how she thought Mizuki was simply a prodigy, when it turns out that she really did all of the hard work she needed to become the top idol she is.

4- "Oh! My! Fan!"
Airdate: October 29, 2012

Ichigo and Aoi watch a playback of their performance from the other day on the Starlight Academy website and Aoi tells Ichigo that she might have a fan. Ichigo is amazed by this, but at this point the video reaches the part where she fell down and her amazement is quickly converted into embarrassment. Aoi tells her that footage of the performances have to be preserved and it's part of highlighting moments that allow fans to feel closer to their idols though, so Ichigo shouldn't feel so down.

Elsewhere, a young boy was also watching the video of the girls' live-on-stage duo performance. He becomes very impressed by how Ichigo kept her cool during the performance, including when she had her fall.

Later in Johnny's class, he teaches the students about posing with style in front of cameras. Aoi flawlessly posed great, while Ichigo is having a hard time. After class, Ichigo was unable to keep up and Johnny comes up to girls, handing Aoi a fan letter. Reading the letter at a cafe area, it's from a little girl who praised Aoi at in her previous audition. Ichigo understood that, since Aoi danced perfectly, while Ichigo just fell down. Aoi tells her not to worry, as she'll get a fan letter soon. The two girls go to queue up for another audition on a bulletin board and Ichigo wants to apply for a brand new Takoyaki shop. But upon realizing it requires a group of two people, Aoi agrees to join her.

Back in their dorm rooms, Ichigo stretches while Aoi browses the shop's website. Ichigo wonders what she can do to keep herself from falling down in a performance again. Aoi tells her to have concentration and leg strength. So Ichigo goes outside for exercises. But while training, she has an accident and trips up. Just then, the same unidentified boy comes up on her and is surprised to find out it really is Ichigo.

While tending to her injury, the boy tells her to rest it. She asks how he knew her name, causing him to nervously admit he's a fan of hers. Ichigo is very surprised and she asks him why he chose her as his favorite since she isn't well known, nor has she passed any auditions yet. But he tells her that he thought she did really well during her last audition, and he was really impressed that she was able to get back up and keep going after she fell down. As they continue discussion, the boy admits he isn't good at track and wants to give up. But after seeing Ichigo keep trying despite her hardships, it inspires him to do the same. He then admits that he never thought he'd get the chance to meet her in person.

When Ichigo goes on to ask him about his decision regarding track, he instead changes the subject by asking her when her next audition is. She informs him it will be at the Takoyaki shop, then begins to explain why she was out there at the time. The boy wishes her luck in passing the audition, but once again suggests that she also be careful and rest the injury before he heads off. Ichigo quickly stops him though, reminding him that she never found out his name. So, he tells her his name is Oota. Introduced, she tells him to do his best too, then he runs off after she invites him to join her for a run tomorrow.

Later, Ichigo tries to tell Aoi about her morning, but the class bell rings and Aoi hurries to class. After it ends, Aoi tells Ichigo that the idol magazines are going to be released soon, and asks her to go on without her since she wants to wait for it. So Ichigo stretches back in her room, then realized she forgot to tell Aoi about her morning. Aoi comes in at the same time, bringing back the idol magazines and some takoyaki. They decide to try the takoyaki, saying that if it tastes good they'll be able to get jobs with more delicious food. She tries one and absolutely loved its taste, while Aoi also takes a bite and is careful to review its flavoring and details.

When night comes around, a brown haired girl walks down the hallway when she wears singing nearby. She finds Ichigo and Aoi, practicing their singing. After testing out their voices, both feel confident that they will be great in the morning practice. The brown haired girl, still listening to them finds their relationship to be unappealing.

While the girls read an idol magazines, Ichigo tells Aoi about what happened in the morning - she finally has a fan. Aoi is impressed, while Ichigo informs her that fans always look on the Starlight Academy website. Aoi asks what kind the fan is, and Ichigo brings up that it was a boy and describes his appearance. She also mentioned her plans to go running with him in the morning. Aoi, curious and wishing to be supportive decides to join.

As dusk arrives, Ichigo and Aoi are at a fountain doing stretches. Aoi has not seen the boy anywhere and Ichigo mentions that she only sees him around the area from time to time. Then someone appears in the mist, revealed to be Oota. They greet each other and she introduces him to Aoi, who he already knows and proceeds to list some facts about her. This impresses Aoi, and Oota explains that a friend in his club is a fan of hers. Aoi then guesses that he's a fan of Ichigo, causing him to blush. He asks Ichigo how she is feeling, and she claims to be fine and wants to start running, so he suggests that she takes the lead and starts slowly. Aoi finds this unnecessary though, given his experience and exercise. Then Ichigo suggests to run with Oota's pace and he thinks that they might not be able to keep up with him, causing Aoi to mention that Idols need strength for singing and dancing. When he acknowledges this, they begin to run together.

As Oota continues running, he notices the girls are feeling quite exhausted and asks if they should slow down. But Ichigo, having a flashback of Mizuki's extensive practice, gains a second wind and runs ahead of Oota. Impressed with her determination, he outruns Ichigo, and she continues to run harder.

They stop for a breather near the fountain and he compliments how well she did. He asks how she can keep trying so hard, and she tells him that its because she wants to see how far she can go. She also said that it's a lot more fun to run with Aoi and Oota, then asks if he really plans on giving up track. He said that while he wanted to, meeting Ichigo has made him reconsider and he's decided to stay a bit longer to let his inspiration help him to see how far he will go too. He also had a lot of fun running again and proceeds to ask her when the audition she has to do will be. He brings up that the preliminaries for the track meet is also that day and wouldn't be able to see the Audition live, so Ichigo wishes him luck and he thanks her.

And so, time passes. The girls continue to exercise and Oota meets his fellow track members and goes running. At the day of the audition performance, the girls wait while Ichigo thinks about Oota's track meet. She really wants him to win and Aoi tells her not to worry, since they need to focus on the audition first and foremost; especially with a lot of people watching them. In this time, Ichigo is reminded of the lesson she learned from Johnny a few days prior: she needs to communicate her feelings with the audience watching her.

An employee comes at the door to remind the girls their audition is about to start. To motivate herself Ichigo begins to eat imaginary Takoyaki and has Aoi do it too, to help them learn how to "covey their feelings". They enter the Aikatsu System rooms and place their card sets on the crests to open a doorway to the stage. They run down the corridor and dress up in the Pink Stage outfit and the Blue Stage outfit before entering the stage. At the same time, Oota overlooks the audition on his mobile phone and returns to running after being motivated to see Ichigo and Aoi on stage.

Ichigo and Aoi start their stage performance, singing and dancing to Idol Activity!

And the conclusion of their performance, the announcer announces that the winners of the the audition is Ichigo and Aoi. Later, the girls return to their dorm rooms. Ichigo gets a fan letter from Oota. It reads that he passed the preliminaries. Ichigo is impressed and Aoi tells her it's his thanks to her for cheering him on. Ichigo then says that she and Aoi are able to try their best because they were encouraged by somebody. And in return, they encouraged them as well. Aoi told her that she's now understanding how the life of an idol is. Ichigo is delighted that she's finally got her first fan. But Aoi tells her that her very first fan, is Aoi herself.

5- "Ran! Ranwei!" ("Ran! Runway!")
(ラン! ランウェイ!)

Airdate: November 5, 2012

Ichigo and Aoi are both running to their class when Ichigo realizes that she forgot her student ID. She runs back to the dormitory with Aoi following her. Moments later, they arrive at the academy, where Ichigo thanks her before going inside. They spot a girl with brown hair viewing a bulletin board and after Ichigo recognizes her as a classmate, Aoi identifies her as Ran; a thirteen year old idol veteran who has performed since she was young. Polished for her beauty and talented for her age, she is known by her earned alias, the "Beautiful Blade," for her sexy look.

As Aoi admires her, Ichigo realizes that they hadn't spoke to her yet and walks up to her to introduce herself, along with Aoi. Aoi politely asks Ran to help them out with their studies in hopes of striking up conversation, but unfortunately, Ran makes an off-topic response by telling them "not to disappear together," before she walks away. Collecting their opinions about Ran, Aoi thinks she's sexy and cool and Ichigo compares her to Mizuki. Then she gets a flashback of Mizuki, reminding her that she and Aoi won't rise together.

As time passes, Ichigo and Aoi steadily kept an eye on Ran and start to believe that she is always acting by herself. Aoi thinks it's part of her image and probably prefers to be alone but before they can say much more of it, Johnny Bepp enters the classroom. He announces to the students that he managed to get them a chance to be in a Fashion show audition and explains that whoever wins will be featured as the model for a popular fashion magazine called Smile Pop Lemon. But only two students will get into the audition and the decisions of who is partnered with who is decided by a game of chance.

Everyone grows uneasy, while Ichigo hopes that she an Aoi will be together. In the end she is partnered with Ran and grows disappointed, due to the experience she has. Aoi tries to cheer her up by saying that she should have good fortune from this and if she passes she will get to be in the magazine, but Ichigo accuses Aoi is being relieved because she wasn't given to Ran. Aoi tries to claim otherwise, but it doesn't fool Ichigo.

Back at the dorm Ichigo struggles to keep confident, knowing that if she fails Ran would be furious. Aoi continues to try and cheer her up by making her see her real self instead of a girl who gives up. She then tells Ichigo to put her fair share of work into this and Ichigo leaves to do some rehearsal. She spends the entire day focusing on her poses, posture, and balance and continues until Aoi comes by to applaud her effort. Ichigo still lacks confidence but Aoi reminds her that she can just continue practicing the next day. With a shared smile, the girls fail to notice that Ran has been observing them from a distance.

She takes off and heads back to her own dorm room, where she stares at the empty bed across from her own. A flashback begins, showing that she had a very confident roommate and friend, who felt that because they were always together, she got the courage and support to keep on going. But as the flashback ends, Ran simply comments that "giving it your all" doesn't guarantee success.

The next morning marks the day of the audition. Ichigo shows Aoi how much she has improved with her training and receives a compliment from Aoi regarding her style. She thanks her in return, then decides to continue practicing by walking around the dorms until the rehearsal arrives. While doing so, she spots Mizuki and approaches her with a greeting. Mizuki tells her to enjoy the audition before advising her by saying that the audience will find her unappealing if she gets too nervous. Ichigo thanks her and walks away after Mizuki tells her to watch Ran more closely, pointing out that she steps with her left foot first.

Later, the time of the fashion show audition arrives. Ichigo and Ran stand by in the waiting room, where Ran sits quietly and Ichigo continues practicing her runway walk. She tries to motivate Ran by telling her to give it her all, as well as the fact that she will also do her best on the runway, but Ran tempts her well-being, saying that by only focusing on themselves, it would make them unworthy of the glory an idol gains. Speechless, Ichigo runs out of the waiting room and continues to practice her walk outside.

Ran catches up to her and tries to make herself clear on what she is trying to say and asks Ichigo to come with her. She takes her to an observation room that overviews the Aikatsu System and explains that there is a lot more than just looking pretty on the runway. A model's job is to shine brightly on the stage that everyone on staff has put all of their heart into. As for the idols the people have come to see, they must express their feelings to the crowd, and not to stray off it. This makes Ichigo realize that she was too fixated on herself with anxieties of losing and recalls earlier on when Johnny mentioned that partners should focus on becoming one during the audition. As a model Ichigo cannot simply think about herself.

They head to the Fitting Rooms and place their cards on the crest of the booth to select their outfits. Ichigo donning the Pink Stage set while Ran dons the Purple Stage set. Then they both headed to the audition stage, where they perform together, dancing and singing to club-style funky music.

That evening, Aoi expresses her positive compliments with Ichigo, while Ichigo is just happy that she could see everyone watching her during the performance. Aoi also shows how impressed she was regarding how Ichigo looked, but Ichigo takes it as a joke and laughs instead.

The next day, at the headmistress' office, Orihime tells Ichigo and Ran that they have passed the audition. Ichigo is delighted while Ran is simply thankful. Reviewing their performance, Orihime tells them that their technique was fascinating and asks if they practiced together. Ran denies this, but Orihime assumes otherwise, causing Ran to deem Ichigo an airheaded prodigy, but she has great potential as far as she knows. This surprises Orihime to hear Ran praise someone else, and also notices that Ran is smiling, claiming that she must have "gotten over it", leaving Ichigo very confused.

As the two girls leave, Ichigo asks Ran what it was she got over, and Ran explains to her that she used to have a roommate, like Ichigo. A girl who was her close friend, but left sometime back. A flashback plays, revealing that the friend had become heavily dissatisfied with herself for not trying to keep up with Ran. She had gave up on idoling at that moment and told her that she would continue to support Ran as a spectator, then in tears, the girl, Mako, left. This memory has haunted Ran, knowing that she couldn't do anything to help her friend, and she explains that she gained the habit of using her left leg first from Mako - because she always did it. She also points out that because Ichigo happens to use her right foot first, their opposite natures was what made them get their feelings synced.

For a moment, as this discussion is going on, Mako is shown observing a picture of Ran. She comments that they should both follow their own dreams.

Ran bids Ichigo a farewell as Ichigo thanks her for her help. She made her focus on others and realize what was important, but Ran claims she was only station the obvious, then tells her that she was the one who "took flight from the runway" before leaving.

In class, Ichigo apologizes for being late to Aoi. She had made her keep going because she didn't want to slow her down, but Aoi simply tells her that they don't need to be together all of the time, as long as they can be in spirit. Ichigo agrees with her, but the girls are interrupted by Ran, who cuts in to compliment their friendly exchange between each other.

For the rest of the scene, Ichigo and Aoi then make ravish remarks and praises which annoy Ran. But just as it seems over, they begin to infuriate her with the cute remarks instead. The episode ends with Ichigo and Aoi showing delight in how they flustered Ran.

6- "Sain ni Muchū!" ("Absorbed in Signing Autographs!")
(サインに夢中!)

Airdate: November 12, 2012

Somewhere in Starlight Academy, Ichigo and Ran enter the room where a photo studio has been set up. They will be getting their pictures taken for the magazine, and Ichigo is very excited. Ran tells her to be more serious since they were able to get the job, but Ichigo thinks that they should just make the best of their opportunity. Which leaves Ran feeling disappointed with her lack of seriousness.

The photographer comes up to them to take a surprise picture of them. Ran poses but Ichigo becomes lost in thought. The photographer tells the girls that she looks forward to work with them and hands them the pictures. Ran goes to the nearby table and takes a marker to sign her autograph on the pictures. But after handing the marker to Ichigo, she is unsure of what to do, allowing Ran to deduce that Ichigo had never signed anything before. Ichigo admits to not even having an autograph afterwards.

Back at school, Aoi admires all the photos of Ran and Ichigo, complimenting how impressive Ran's pictures were before asking Ichigo how it went. Ichigo informs her that they had gotten frustrated with her and the scene flashbacks to what happened. A man was ready to take pictures of Ran and asked to bring Ichigo into the photo. Ichigo strikes a generic pose, leaving the man only slightly amused. He tells her to be like herself, and Ichigo tries again, but Ran is unimpressed. As the photoshoot continues Ichigo just becomes more confused and clueless.

Aoi comments that Ran stood out in the pictures next to Ichigo and goes on to compare them to food. Ran would be the main dish, while Ichigo the side dish. She picks up another picture to see a signature by Ichigo and comments how she practiced her signature, which appears wrote in Kanji.

Just then, Johnny cuts in and looks at the photo with Ichigo's signature. He laughs at it and tells her just how bad it is before chastising Ichigo for not having a signature yet and he realizes that he forgot to prepare them an autograph after they've transferred. So he tasks the girls with having to design a signature and tells them that it is due the next day. He is very positive and expects them to come up with a great signature each.

Ichigo and Aoi head to eat at the cafeteria to ponder on an autograph design. Aoi browses on her Aikatsu Phone of several autograph examples from other idols to get some ideas, then she admits to not having any plans in mind. Compared to Ichigo, who wants something cute and cool. They happen to spot Ran next to them and suddenly get the devious idea of asking for some advice on coming up with the perfect autograph. But they make her annoyed while continuisly begging for help and she reluctantly agrees to make them stop.

Around sunset Ran meets up with the girls at the dorm room so she can help them with autograph composition. She first takes notice of their Mizuki poster, which ultimately stirs up Aoi's story on how she obtained it, where she tried emailing her pre-order request only to realize they were sold out. As she cried her way to a local CD shop, she said she was able to get it in the end with her pre-order ticket. Ran then impressively states how she got it without crying before Ichigo points out that Ran also likes Mizuki.

Later on, the girls prepare a table standee to plan for the autograph assignment, but Ran points out that they should change out of their uniforms. Aoi replied that they have no time to relax right now, but Ran told them not to worry, as she would only be with them for a short while. Ichigo and Aoi beg her to stay with them, and while annoyed she says she will go and change. She returns a bit later, and Aoi quickly takes advantage of this by taking a quick series of photo of Ran in casual attire. This embarresses her, but she changes the subject by showing them the snacks she brought with her. These being some dried food products like sardines and wakame. Aoi and Ichigo praise the simple food products and the fact she always eats healthy, but she admits to eating other things to and shows them a bag of rice cakes.

With that she begins teaching them, starting with them writing their name several times in various Japanese writing styles, including cursive romaji. Ichigo started writing her name on cursive romaji, while Aoi writes her name in various Japanese styles. Aoi felt her kanji style is stiff, so Ran instructs her to shorten it by adding more curves - resulting in a stylish writing that impresses her.

Ichigo also requests Ran's attention and points out the plan to use cursive for her signature. Ran tells her to write it many times so that her hand will remember. While the girls continue training, Ran goes on her Aikatsu Phone to organize her cards while she waits for them to be done. While browsing her collection, Ichigo and Aoi became side-tracked just looking at her card collection, and eventually they become engrossed just by looking at the many rare cards. Ichigo praises the variety of sweet and whimsical attires, but this upsets Ran and she punishes Ichigo by making her write more.

Soon night comes and Ran reviews their writing. She first looks at Aoi's and is very impressed for it's simple Japanese-style handwriting. She then inspects Ichigo's work, the result to be very complicated with cute elements; a bow, a cute bunny, stars, a chibi-Ichigo head, and creative lettering. Aoi is amused by this, but Ran thinks Ichigo tried too hard. It looks like it would be difficult to write, but allows Ichigo to technically pass because Ichigo likes it. This delights Ichigo, but she starts to feel hungry so Aoi suggests they go to eat in the Cafeteria. Ran does not really want to join them though because she refuses to eat after dark, so she allows them to have her snacks while she prepares to leave.

As Ran leaves Ichigo and Aoi thank her for helping them. She has enjoyed her time with them, but she gets embaressed by this and immediately takes off. To record their efforts the girls take a picture of their autographs and begin to comment on what Johnny will think of their signatures.

The next day, Ichigo and Aoi turn in their signatures to Johnny for review. He looks at Aoi's autograph closely and was very impressed, but he is displeased with the complexity behind Ichigo's. He argues with her by pointing out the length of time it would take to write because her fans will give up and start to leave, and points out how valuable speed is to any autograph. Ichigo pauses for a second, but she starts to understand and Aoi comments that if she doesn't want to change it, she needs to train writing it faster.

Later, Aoi carries various papers when she runs into Ran observing the news and recent idoling offers. She notices the papers and questions them, and when Aoi tells her it is for training, Ran decides to tag along.

Ichigo begins to train her writing speed while the two assist her. She tests her speed using a tether, writing a very large autograph, and later on goes to writing normally in a time limit test. She plans to have the entire autograph done within ten seconds, and by the time night comes along she is able to do it. But she feels the need to keep going and going until she eventually drops.

Ichigo gets a call informing her that a package is waiting for her in the hall. She responds to it by taking a closer look, then she spots Naoto Suzukawa. She thanks him for the help and he takes her to the package. She find a box of mandarins delivered by Raichi and Naoto leaves after. As the girls eat back at the room, Aoi mentions that people at the Shopping District have been wanting to meet them. So Ichigo decides that she can go tomorrow, Sunday, and invites Ran and Aoi to attend the meeting with her.

The next day, the girls head for Nandemo Bento, where they were told to visit. They see many customers at the front, but also see a sign standee with "Ichigo and Aoi's Autograph Session" wrote on it. As they wonder about it, everyone sees the girls and surrounds them in a fanatic craze. Raichi comes outside to welcome them home, but Ichigo gets angry by this and chastises Raichi for not telling them about any autograph sessions. Raichi tells Ichigo that she said she would come, and Ringo apologizes while saying she didn't know about this going on. Ichigo agrees to stay but tells Raichi not to do it again. This causes Ran to show some sympathy and she takes off her cap and glasses, causing Raichi to recognize her right away.

Aoi asks Ichigo about their plans now since so many people came to meet them, so Ichigo decides that they should stay and do the autograph session. Aoi sees no harm in it though since they were training, but Ran plans on leaving until they beg her to stay. Outside Raichi is able to rally the people to get the girls autographs and Ran stays inside to watch them from a distance. Ringo comes by with a snack for Ran and begins to speak to her, asking for her personal opinions on the girls.

Back outside they continue to sign the autographs. Aoi does well with both tasks, but Ichigo focuses so much on her own that the fans become disappointed. When she finishes she spots Ran and grows confused, looking to see that all of her fans left. Ran points out that Ichigo didn't treat them very well and they were let down. She has her look at Aoi's fans to see how happy they are since she cares for them, then she tells Ichigo that people come for an autograph to meet the idol.

This leaves Ichigo speechless and she mentions that she became lost while writing the autograph. Another fan suddenly steps up to visit her and Ran reminds Ichigo to pay attention to her fan while doing the autograph. She tells her that it is fine if it becomes messy, and Ichigo takes the advice.

Back at Starlight Academy, Johnny comes up to Ichigo and asks for an autograph. She agrees to give him one but also finds the opportunity to test her ability to sign and pay attention. She signs while conversing with him and the end result ends up being a dislocated version; causing her disappointment. Johnny laughs at this and congradulates her for mastering her very complicated autograph and paying attention to her fans. As a reward, Johnny presents her with a rare coord set from Angely Sugar while telling her that there is a special audition that would be perfect for her. Winning it will make her an image character for a brand of stationery, and Ichigo quickly accepts the offer to participate.

As Ichigo waits for her turn at the audition, she learned that every fan must be treated with care and respect than the autographs also need. Then, Ichigo gets called up next and she heads into the fitting room. While preparing she tells herself that to win her fans back, she has to give it her all. She places her card set into the device and heads inside, changing into the Ice Blue Frill Coord. Then she enters the stage, where she starts her performance to Idol Activity!.

Ichigo eventually wins the role and goes to a mall where the job takes place. She promotes the launch of a seven-colored feelings-conveying felt-tip pen. Among the audience in the far distance are Aoi and Ran incognito. Aoi was impressed that Ran came to see Ichigo, but she claims it wasn't out of concern, but to put pressure on her. Then, Ichigo begins demonstrating the felt pen by writing her autograph on a large white paper. Everyone was amazed by it, but Ran, from the distance shouts an opinion by saying Ichigo trained to make it. Ichigo then positively encourages everyone in the crowd to try the pen.

7- "Tsubuyaki ni Goyōjin" ("The Trouble with Sparkler")
(つぶやきにご用心)

Airdate: November 19, 2012

One late evening in their dorm room, Aoi reveals a poster of the Pon-Pon Crepe Campaign Girl. Ichigo doesn't realize the importance of this, leaving her to explain that it's a big stepping stone for any rising idol, even someone like Mizuki has done this at one point, being the twelth generation. As she is a big fan of Pon-Pon Crepes, Aoi definitely would like the chance to apply for this role if it ever came up.

Suddenly they hear a sound coming from her Aikatsu Phone, signaling that Aoi has got a message from the KiraKiratter Network. This surprises Ichigo since she never heard of it before, and Aoi points out it's various uses before offering to set one up for her too.

The following day, Ichigo comes across an audition she is instantly attracted to and signs up for it. Aoi agrees to join her, but by the time she finds her phone it is time for class so they head over.

In class it is announced that they will be holding auditions for the Pon-Pon Crepe. Aoi is instantly filled with glee and takes the chance to do this, and Ichigo decides to try too. But she realizes that it's the same day as the Audition she already signed up for, so there's no way for them to both apply for the same audition, nor can they show up to support each other. However they decide it isn't a big deal, and when class ends they put something up on their KiraKiratter Accounts to let the Fans know.

Ichigo admits that she doesn't seem to understand why the KiraKiratter is so popular yet until Aoi reveals all of the comments that she's received from fans. She also mentions that Ichigo has gotten some too, including one from her friend Oota. Even if they cannot see the fans in person it feels good to be given the support. With that they decide to get some practice in and train until evening.

Aoi and Ichigo greet Ran and sit with her the next day, but she is quick to scold them for the way they address her before they start to eat. Ichigo asks Ran if she uses the KiraKiratter, but she does not feel the need to use it and prefers to be face-to-face with the fans. She changes the subject by informing them her plans of going out for the Pon-Pon Crepe role and Aoi reveals her intentions of doing so too.

After lunch Aoi expresses concern over Ran attending the Auditions but Ichigo gives her some support, causing Aoi to mention that it is usually the other way around. They go on to resume training for their respective auditions and before bed, Aoi decides to gather information with the use of KiraKiratter in hopes of gaining encouragement.

The next day, a shocked Ichigo learns of Aoi's plans to practice on the Balance Beam. Aoi explains that the first ever Pon-Pon Crepe Girl Kirara Kisaragi did this training, so she feels like she should too. She has Ichigo hop up onto the beam first but she is quick to fall off, then as Aoi tries, she too falls off, but makes it halfway across. She refuses to give up though, so they move onto a new activity consisting of walking on a chalk line while holding two, full buckets of water. In the middle of Ichigo's attempt, Aoi sees new replies on KiraKiratter and begins to check them.

During Lunch Ichigo happens to notice that Aoi is barely touching her food. Instead she uses the spare time to look up more info and decides that she should look into some muscle training.

Later in the day, Ichigo resumes her own practice of walking while she balances books on her head. But she happens to get a message from Oota on KiraKiratter and returns to her Dorm Room after a bit to see Aoi in the middle of Aroma Therapy. She has also bought some strange items to decorate the room with and explains their properties of encouraging better spirits. Ichigo decides not to pay them any mind until later that night after Aoi leaves the room.

The next day, Ichigo sees that Aoi is still relying on advice and information from Kirakiratter. She takes off not to longer after, somewhat concerned over how distant Aoi has been lately. But Aoi has no idea what Ichigo's problem is, until Naoto comes by and tells her about her strange behavior lately. He questions it before handing her a set of Rare Coord Cards and leaves.

During the Audition wait, Aoi looks at her number for it and begins to realize how rude she's been acting lately. She didn't even bother to wish Ichigo luck and quickly tries to use KiraKiratter to send her a message, fearing she may be angry with her when she does not respond. But in due time she does, explaining that since she was riding the Bus she didn't realize she got any messages. Both girls take this moment to apologize as Ran's turn for the Audition is announced.

Although Ichigo encourages her, Aoi is still nervous for her turn. Seeing that Ran scored the top out of all the contestants has her even more anxious, and soon she panics until she hears Ichigo at the door and turns to find her. Ichigo runs up to Aoi and claims that she could not speak her true feelings over KiraKiratter, so she had to come, and since she was able to go through her audition for Vivid Girl early, she headed right over to give Aoi support.

With that said, the woman announces that it's now Aoi's turn. She changes into the Rare Coord set Naoto gave to her and she gets on stage to perform to "Prism Spiral".

After the audition ends, Ichigo congratulates Aoi on a job well done before it's revealed that she is the winner. The girls are very happy to learn this and Ran even congratulates Aoi for doing so well. Ichigo expresses sadness that she didn't get to see Ran's rare cards, but Ran informs her that it isn't about using them when people tell you to, but when you want to, instead.

Later that night the girls are in bed going over their Kirakiratter messages. They suddenly get a brand new one that is very mysterious, but they take it as a good sign realizing that it was meant for them and they go to sleep.

8- "Chika no Taiyō" ("Underground Sun")
(地下の太陽)

Airdate: November 26, 2012

Ichigo is currently working on a Vlog as she goes around campus detailing her adventure of taking some items to the underground storage room that they used for Drama Class. She soon realizes she has gotten lost and happens to notice a light up ahead. When she peaks inside to get a better look she sees a girl training, but because of the light she can't get a good look at the girl.

Later while waiting for class to begin she goes over what she saw to Aoi. She points out that a girl hasn't been attending class since they begun and they decide to ask Ran. But before they can, Johnny Bepp arrives to announce a sensational audition coming up to decide which student has become the most popular in the entire world this year. Whoever wins will get to go on a special trip to Hawaii for a photo-shoot and everything. Everyone believes Ran to be a shoe-in but she admits that she keeps losing to a specific someone every single year.

It's then a girl walks into the room, immediately catching everyone's attention. Aoi quickly recognizes her and tells Ichigo about the mysterious girls talents; adding that she has never once been on a live stage before.

When class ends the girls decide to get to know the student, a girl named Hikari. But she doesn't recognize them until Ran mentions them arriving to the school while she was busy with her Net Live Tour. Which is a concert broadcast around the world and shown online. While Ran sees how excited Ichigo and Aoi are, Hikari finds them annoying and leaves after she brings up an interest in competing against Ran again. Ran is frustrated, but Ichigo and Aoi are excited to see her perform. They ask her to join them but she takes off instead.

Later on Ichigo and Aoi try to find the storeroom again when Ichigo spots the light up ahead. She recalls how it led to a Studio earlier and look inside, realizing that the girl is Hikari. But before they have time to react the lights suddenly go out in the room and Hikari appears, scolding them for watching her the way they did. They try to explain why they were there but she's still frustrated since they intruded, but she finds trying to reason with them worthless since they don't get it.

Once they exit, Ichigo and Aoi find Ran practicing outside. She mentions the anxiety she's gaining and feels rather pathetic because her usual skills won't be good enough to put her onto the same level as Hikari, so she has to keep working. They mention what happened earlier and she mentions that Hikari has always been secretive and valued her privacy, but she is always focused on her fans, first and foremost.

At their Dorm, Ichigo and Aoi start to wonder how talented Hikari really is since Ran never gets worked up like this. They decide to check out whatever info they can find and happen to see the Concert she had recently done online, noting the many messages and comments she received from the fans during it.

Meanwhile, Johnny and Orihime are going over Hikari's reappearance.

Ran busily stretches in her dorm room when she notices that Ichigo stopped by to drop off some Juice. She appreciates the gesture and attempts to have Aoi and Ichigo join her for some, but it turns into a demand rather quickly. They look on in amazement while observing her room and go on explaining the details of what it took to make the juice. At one point Ichigo even wanted to put Yakiniku isn't the juice, but she stopped her before she could.

It's then Ichigo spots two Spicy Ageha cards. Ran mentions that it is her favorite brand and she tends to save them for bigger performances. She had obtained these cards after meeting the model who runs Spicy Ageha as it's Top Designer about a year ago. Since the woman rarely comes to the Academy Johnny had tried to encourage Ran to speak to her. She did, and soon she gained the chance to perform while wearing the brand clothing. Since then she received a special letter from her, and in it were these two coord cards.

From this touching story, Ichigo decides that as she was unable to make Ran have any Yakiniku, she will have to eat some for everyone and use all of the energy she will gain from it to cheer for Ran.

Soon the Audition arrives. While waiting for their turns Ran and Hikari talk for a moment. Hikari believes that Ran has changed since their last battle, since she's never seen her like this. Ran also mentions that this is the first time she is actually thinking about her friends during a performance. They change outfits and get onto the stage, where they begin their performance to "Idol Activity!".

After the performance Hikari and Ran speak outside of the building again. Hikari compliments Ran for doing much better this year and claims that she may almost be at her level. This makes Ran happy and she mentions that next year they will finally settle their rivalry, which Hikari agrees with before they both separate from each other.

As Ran arrives back to the dorm area she finds Aoi and Ichigo. They congratulate her and ask her to train them, but at first she isn't very sure until she thinks about the special Trio Audition approaching. She asks them to join her for it, and while she's never done it before, the girls are very eager.

At home, Raichi talks to his mom about the special audition coming up. He also happens to see the Blog that was made recently by Ichigo and they watch it to the very end before commenting that she is still the same old Ichigo, despite making some vast changes in her life.

Late during the night, Ran notices she has gotten a text from Hikari. She has decided to inform the girls that they will want to wear Premium Outfits for this Audition and she also plans on watching them, so Ran better not let her down. With that in mind Ran decides the girls need to do one hundred more squats, causing them to call her Demon Coach.

9- "Move on Now!"
Airdate: December 3, 2012

The girls are all busy training for the special audition coming up. Ichigo and Aoi are too tired to continue on but Ran tells them that they need to do at least five more laps before they can stop. They need to work twice, maybe even triple-times harder than usual, and normal training isn't good enough. With this in mind, Ichigo agrees to keep working.

In School, Ichigo expresses joy in being able to perform with Aoi and Ran. Ran mentions the Premium Rare cards, discussing their rarity and difficulty to find, and wanting to know more, the trio approach Johnny-sensei. He explains to the girls how special the cards themselves are and points out that they can only be obtained when the Top Designer approves of them as an Idol first. While it's a seemingly impossible task, he promises to set up appointments for each girl and the designer of their choosing, then he leaves to beg Orihime for help.

During lunch, Aoi brings up the song they should perform to when Ichigo suggests Mizuki's own "Move on Now!", since it's very special to her. Ran also likes the song and agrees to this, then decides that for extra practice the girls should use their breaks to train. After finishing lunch they head to a quieter area to train in private. But this becomes seemingly difficult as Aoi and Ichigo are more aware of how Ran continues to act distant with them. They try to encourage her to be friendlier, but when it doesn't work they give up and resume training.

As the days pass the girls work very hard until the day before the audition. They finish the song and decide they should focus on something else since they've worked this hard for now, but they are rather concerned since Johnny has yet to get back to them. After they confront their teacher, he promises that with a little more time everything will work out in the end.

Heading over to the Library, the girls decide to study the brands a little. Aoi spots Michelle and Asami, two girls who formed a duo unit, and she begins to fawn over them. Ichigo and Aoi run over to greet them after they spot Ran casually conversing with them, and Asami mentions that Ran usually doesn't make very many stops by the library, then she offers the girls some papers that she and Michelle accidentally made too many copies for. They are joined by Johnny who has come to inform the girls that he managed to get appointments for Aoi and Ran, but not Ichigo as of yet.

Aoi and Ran leave so that they can hurry up and get to the meetings while Ichigo heads back to the Dormitory. She uses this time to study any history related to Angely Sugar that she can find - but ends up drifting off to sleep not too long after. She is awoken after Ran and Aoi arrive back later in the day, showing her their brand new Premium Rare coords. While happy for them, Ichigo is beginning to feel anxious.

With things not looking much better, they make the decision the next day to just not use the cards if Ichigo has none of her own. They will use the time they have left to finish practicing and as they are just finishing, Johnny arrives to announce that he finally got word from the top designer of Angely Sugar, but it's too late for Ichigo to go and return back in time now, so he suggests that she waits. However, Ichigo stubbornly refuses and they quickly take off after he offers to drive her to Angely Mountain.

Eventually they come to a sign labeled Angely Sugar, but Johnny is unable to go any further so he informs Ichigo that she will be on her own. She gets out of his car and heads to a crossroad; both of which paths have the same sign on them. She uses an electric map on her phone, along with a hand-drawn map after the batteries die, and continues on her way.

Aoi and Ran are highly concerned regarding Ichigo, as they are unsure if she will make it back in time or not. They try to contact her with the use of their phones, but they get no response. A man then comes into the room to tell the girls that their turn is approaching, then warns them that they will just perform as a duo if Ichigo is unable to return in time.

As this is going on, it is revealed that Ichigo is busy climbing a mountain. By the time she reaches the top, she is found by the Gardener. He brings her inside to meet the top designer, who is quite amazed that Ichigo climbed up the hill with an old map, when she could have just taken the elevator that they had put in. She introduces herself as Asuka Amahane and Ichigo introduces herself before mentioning why she came so suddenly. She asks to use the Premium Dress while describing her love towards Angely Sugar, and Asuka quickly agrees before revealing the entire wardrobe. She goes on to say that Ichigo is worthy of the brand due to her bravery; risking her life by climbing the mountain just to speak to her. She finds this to be a sign of fate and decides to give her the cards belonging to the Aurora Kiss Coord.

After changing the outfit items into a set of cards, she thanks Ichigo for stopping by and they lead her to an elevator, so that she can use it for future purposes. Ichigo takes her leave after thanking them.

Aoi and Ran realize that only ten minutes remain before they will be forced to go on without Ichigo. Michelle and Asami have just finished, but with the final minute approaching Ichigo manages to make it. She is very happy and claims that they will be fine as long as they believe in each other. They also note that Ran has finally joined in on doing the special chant and addressed Ichigo by name, but with little time to linger on it, they run into the changing area and get onto stage, performing to "Move On Now!".

After their performance, Orihime announces that the trio, along with Michelle and Asami have all passed the Audition. Ichigo is so excited that she can't sleep and she goes out for a walk while observing the mastery mark they received for passing. But while she is out she runs into Mizuki, who comments on how well the girls did before taking off.

10- "Niji-iro no Otome" ("Rainbow-colored Otome")
(虹色のおとめ)

Airdate: December 10, 2012

While heading to class, Ichigo, Aoi, and Ran happen to find a girl that has just fallen into one of the school fountain. She sits there absentmindedly as Ran offers her a hand to help her. She asks her if she will be okay since her clothes are wet, and Ichigo offers her a towel before Aoi recognizes the girl as Otome Arisugawa, someone who competed in the 17th National Pop Girl Grand Prix. She has been in commercials for Pop'n Popcorn, Cheerful Pop Candy, and Get'cha Cold: Freezing Ice Pop. They discuss how cute Otome is until they happen to hear the late bell, and she apologizes for keeping them before running off to change out of her wet clothes.

During class the girls think about Otome and how she wound up in the fountain. Ichigo is unable to get over how cute Otome is, while Ran is just happy that she didn't get hurt or sick. Aoi is happy that they were about to avoid trouble though, since Johnny wasn't in the room yet. But suddenly he comes in to announce the special Christmas Event coming up. Due to it, Starlight Academy will be holding a special Tournament to decide which three girls will take part in it.

Everyone wants to try, but to her surprise Ichigo's first opponent is Otome. Aoi warns her to be careful since she will be really hard to beat, but Ichigo really likes Otome so she's just happy to get a chance to take part in a battle against her.

Meanwhile, Orihime and Johnny are pretty excited to see what will happen during this; as both Otome and Ichigo are somewhat similar and their turn will be somewhat unpredictable as a result.

Later in the evening, Ichigo studies the many commercials that Otome was previously in while commenting on them. Aoi expresses concern that Ichigo may not be taking this entirely as serious as she should be, because if she does not focus on it, she could end up losing. Ichigo claims that she is working by watching the videos because they help her learn about Otome.

Meanwhile, Ran is busy doing her nightly stretches when someone knocks on the door. She is surprised to find Otome outside, offering her some of the Pop'n Popcorn for helping her earlier. Ran mentions that she usually doesn't consume sweet foods at night, but Otome takes this wrongly by assuming she would prefer something saltier, so she runs off.

The following day, Ran brings the salted Pop'n Popcorn for everyone to eat and explains that Otome gave it to her the previous night. No matter how many times she refused it, Otome didn't give up until she took it. This causes Ran and Aoi to compare her to Ichigo.

Later on, Ichigo has finished the entire bowl of popcorn and Aoi warns her not to let her guard down. She shows a video of Otome during an Interview, and Ran believes that she may be purposely laying her cutesy personality on too thick. Despite the fact that Otome is clearly a big airhead, she makes it obvious that she puts a lot of work and effort into everything she does. As Ichigo leaves afterwards, Aoi begins to worry again.

Ichigo happens to come across Otome during her run and finds her doing some breathing exercises. She watches with amazement how elegant she looks, but upon spotting Ichigo, Otome falls over. She goes on to explain how image training work and mentions that her inspiration came from pretending to be a Swan. Otome then mentions her need to work twice as hard as others, since she is a really big klutz.

In class Ichigo reveals what she learned to Aoi and Ran, causing her to finally realize that she has to be more serious and fears she doesn't stand a chance now. But she's dedicated to try anyway and gets straight to work with training until she is unable to move, winding up in the dorm room. Aoi shows up a while later and suggests to Ichigo that she take a nice bath to relax her muscles, and Ichigo is quick to agree, though it takes her a while to get there.

Later on, Ichigo leaves the dorm to do some more running. She happens to come by Naoto, who gives her some advice.

The next day Ichigo decides to take his advice and listens to the song she will be performing to. She deeply takes everything in, when Otome happens to come by the fountain and mentions that she comes by often to see the rainbow that shows up. But when it doesn't come, she asks if the clouds of winter may have something to do with it. Before she gives up and leaves however, the rainbow has suddenly appeared.

On the day of the audition, the trio notice Mizuki has come to watch. She wishes them luck and soon Ichigo and Otome go to the dressing area. Ichigo manages to calm the surprisingly nervous Otome down and they go to change, appearing on stage to perform to "Angel Snow".

After their performance, Otome congratulates Ichigo on her win. But she is surprised to find her crying all of the sudden and wonders why this is. Ichigo reveals that she has become a fan of Otome, and it turns out that both Aoi and Ran won their respective Auditions as well. Orihime and Johnny go on to announce that because of how many entrants they have decided to make a fourth position for the Performance. The entrants will be those who tried and were knocked out of the Main Round, meaning that Otome will be able to participate in the Revenge Match.

11- "Otome wa Dareka ni Koi Shiteru" ("Otome's in Love With Someone!")
(おとめは誰かに恋してる)

Airdate: December 17, 2012

As Otome falls out of a tree trying to rescue a cat, she is rescued by the janitor. As Otome seems a little spaced out afterwards, Ichigo and the others assume she has a crush on the janitor, leading Aoi to reminisce about a boy she previously admired. Realizing they don't actually know the janitor's name, Ichigo follows him, learning that he is a band vocalist named Naoto Suzukawa, who claims to have no interest in any of the students and asking Ichigo to keep his other career a secret from the academy. The gang soon learns that what Otome fell in love with wasn't actually Naoto but was in fact the cat-shaped necklace he was wearing at the time. The next day, Otome manages to pass her revenge audition.

12- "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!"
Airdate: December 24, 2012

Everyone is busy setting up for the upcoming Christmas party when the others find Ichigo struggling to get the Christmas Tree from the storage room. With a little help they manage to finish decorating and Ichigo voices excitement regarding the party and spevial Christmas Event. Ran points out that if this is the case they should be making time to practice as well. They start to discuss how they got involved in this, starting with Ichigo volunteering herself, followed by Aoi who points out that they can work together for the party and still train, and finally the hesitant Ran.

As everyone prepares to leave the room, Ran happens to spot a mysterious shadow from the window. But as she tries to look, she is unable to determine what it is.

In a kitchen, everyone decides to set up the Christmas dinner by dividing the parts so that everyone can finish quickly. However, everyone keeps needing Ichigo's aid, while Otome tastes-tests the foods. Ichigo claims that she doesn't mind helping everyone, but soon finds herself worn out. Ran asks if this is common of her, and after Aoi confirms that it is, she explains that it's only because Ichigo wants everyone to be happy.

As Ichigo continues her work, she happens to see a classmate that seems to be pretty down. They consider this strange, since Yuna is usually a very perky and lively girl. They go to question it, and Yuna expresses sadness in that her Parents are all the way back in America. Since they are busy with work they can't come this year to celebrate Christmas and see the tree like usual. As Ichigo hears this, she makes a promise to Yuna, saying that she will get that very Christmas Tree from her memories and bring it back to her.

As they start to leave Ran asks if it was really okay for Ichigo to make such a big promise. Ichigo believes that it will all work out though, and they go over the idea of cutting down a tree from the school grounds, only to see the strange man Ran spotted earlier. He explains that he is from a network that wishes to broadcast the Christmas special the school plans to be holding later, and after he mentions observing the girls in a natural light, Ran grows mildly annoyed.

After Ichigo recalls a tree she saw back on Angely Mountain, they decide to head over there instead of cutting down a tree from school. She thinks it would be perfect but the others express concern that they won't be able to get back to school. The man offers to let the girls take his vehicle as long as he can keeps filming them, so they take up his offer.

They quickly arrive while admiring the beautiful snow falling around them and when they find the tall tree, they work to chop it over. Ichigo decides the best way to get it down the hill is to ride it like a sled and when they get to the bottom, the gardener from Angely Sugar's building comes to land a hand. They use his vehicle and when they arrive back to school the man takes off.

Johnny runs over to the girls to ask about the tree and they explain their plans of using it for Christmas. Ran points out that they need to hurry up though, or else they will be late for the Special Event. Their classmates and friends, minus Yuna, come by to help and they offer to tend to the tree and finish everything so that the four can go and finish their work for the Special. The girls head to the waiting room and run into the changing area when they spot the Broadcast the man earlier was making. Everyone is amazed by this and Orihime congratulates them and gives everyone a special coord to use for Special before they run to change. They reappear on a stage and perform "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

When they finish, Yuna heads outside and to her surprise, spots the giant Christmas Tree, just like the one back in New York. She turns to spot her Parents as well. While she embraces them, the four idols watch from the distance before they change into special Christmas costumes to celebrate the party. Ran being somewhat upset over the silly reindeer suit she got stuck wearing, but slowly she grows into it. Mizuki then surprises everyone when she shows up for the party as well, and together everyone cheers for the holiday.

Meanwhile, the headmistress is discussing something with someone, involving her plans of putting Ichigo and Mizuku together after the Holiday comes to an end.

13- "Karorī no Higeki" ("Tragedy of Calories!")
(カロリーの悲劇)

Airdate: January 7, 2013

Ichigo puts the finishing touches on a new years inspired bento and they say farewell to the customer. Ringo apologizes to Ichigo for making her work since she was hoping to let her relax for the New Year, but Ichigo is fine. She tells her mom that she is happy she can still make foods like she used to, since she hasn't been able to in some time. They are joined by Aoi and a few of their friends from the school they used to attend. They ask for an autograph when Aoi happens to spot Raichi taking pictures of her dressed up for the holiday. They also happen to notice that Ichigo seems a little bit pudgy since last seeing her.

Meanwhile Mizuki is busy having a chat with Orihime about Ichigo. Orihime is in the middle of painting something and Mizuku happens to notice that since she doesn't have an option in this, she decides to trust Orihime's intuition.

Back at Nandemo Bento, the Hoshimiya family watch as Mizuki is on television. Their meal has just finished being made and Raichi watches as Ichigo eats a lot. She mentions going onto her fifth bowl of rice and Raichi asks Ichigo if she always ate this much, but she can't recall. She claims however, that she's eating so much because of their Mothers great food, which makes Ringo very happy.

Later they continue to watch Mizuki while Ringo makes the New Years soup. She asks them how many pieces of Mochi they would want in their bowls, and while Raichi only asks for one, Ichigo asks for three. Over the course of time, Raichi keeps noticing other suspicious eating habits, such as how Ichigo ate some cake, and an entire box of chocolate. He reminds her that school will resume soon and Ichigo promises that she will eat better the next day.

But the next day, a shocked Aoi realizes that Ichigo has put on a lot of weight.

At school, Ran and Otome chat with each other until they are joined by Ichigo and Aoi. Ran is shocked to see Ichigo like this, but Otome happens to like it since she thinks it makes Ichigo look cute. She tries to offer Ichigo some Pop'n Popcorn, but Ran scolds Ichigo for being careless with her eating habits. She goes on to question if Ichigo can really keep being an idol and they head to class, where even Johnny-sensei expresses shock. Ichigo is sure he's just exaggerating though and claims that some exercise will fix her weight.

As a new years present, Johnny announces a great audition he scored for his class. It will be for the New Year Shining Girl, causing everyone to become excited, although Ichigo isn't. Johnny asks for anyone who wishes to partake in it to raise their hands. Aoi decides to volunteer Ichigo for it since she is sure it could motivate her.

During break everyone goes for a run. They find Ichigo behind them, pretty far back and they try to keep her going by pointing out she's only done a single round. Ichigo's lazy behavior continues throughout the day as they keep trying to encourage her, although she tries to get them to let her off of the hook. While she works on her book balancing practice, Otome comes by to try to offer her more Popcorn.

While they eat Lunch the girls notice that Ichigo has gotten a lot of food. Aoi and Ran warn her that she has to work on losing this weight and they need to work on the Audition, which they can't do if she keeps getting tired right after starting. To show Ichigo the error of her ways, they decide to bring her to the Coord Change room. At first Ichigo doesn't understand, until they try to make her change into a coord. The device will not open though, and Ichigo worries that it may be telling her that she wont fit, but Aoi reveals that it is because Ichigo forgot the most important thing about being an Idol; gaining weight is not bad, but Ichigo hasn't been her normal self.

With that thought Ran and Aoi wonder if maybe they tried too hard to get Ichigo to realize the problem. As they leave, Ichigo realizes that Mizuki is also disappointed with her and she has to do her best instead of lazing around. She decides to go for a run and starts to recall that the others wanted her to do this audition to try to encourage her to lose the weight she was putting on and to stop being so lazy.

As they head to the track they spot Otome running around and Ichigo quickly starts. But she later regrets it because she ran too much and Ran tells her this. Ichigo points out that she had reason to though, since she only has a week before the Audition, but Aoi and Ran promise to join her and they have also gained a couple of pounds each, so they will all go on a diet together. They do about twenty minutes of exercise to burn some fat while dancing, then they work to rid the fat around the stomach, then shape the legs while doing model walk. Later on Ichigo goes for a run as Otome stops for a snack.

Come time for audition, Ichigo reveals that she was able to slim down, but has still been doing her exercise. However, she's dieted too much and realizes she is getting hungry while running. She keeps going until she can no longer move, then stops until she smells something good up ahead. She finds Naoto burning a pile of leaves and she expresses guilt after he offers her a potato that was baked. She refuses, but he makes her take it before she leaves.

Ichigo runs into Mizuki and they sit down to chat. She gives her the potato and explains what happened, before wishing she could be more stoic like Mizuki is. Mizuku claims that it is okay to let go every once in a while, mentioning that she enjoys ice cream after training, and she offers a little bit of the potato back to Ichigo while explaining the importance behind having energy.

Now that it's time for the audition, Ichigo changes into her coord she chose for it and begins dancing to "Trap of Love".

After her performance, Orihime mentions that because the four have been passing so many auditions lately, she will grant them permission to start applying for Drama roles. Ichigo expresses surprise and she realizes that nobody bothered to inform the girls of their various audition types. While they are excited, Johnny scolds himself for being forgetful.

Elsewhere, Mizuki is wondering if Ichigo can really keep up with her.

14- "Ikenai Deka" ("Naughty Detectives")
(イケナイ刑事)

Airdate: January 14, 2013

Ichigo and Aoi pretend to act out a role from the mystery-drama "Naughty Detectives". Unknown to them, Mizuki was watching and she comments on how well she thought it was while walking by, which flusters Aoi. But unknown to them, another girl observes them from the distance.

During class, a special message informs the class of a brand new audition for the very same drama series, which excites everyone due to it's popularity.

During lunch everyone expresses an interest in trying out for the Audition. Aoi goes ahead to look up a little information using her Aikatsu Phone and looks over info related to the main characters in Naughty Detectives. This causes her to describe the many various types of idols that exist in the world, such as those who focus on acting, and those who focus on singing. As they are such big fans of the show, Ichigo and Aoi really want to pass the Audition.

They pretend to act as characters in the show again, with Aoi insisting that Ichigo needs to be more serious. Though Ran insists that they focus on eating lunch first before it gets cold. As they do this, the strange girl from earlier walks by and Otome identifies her as Shion Kamiya, an actress who began at the age of ten. She had been recognized as a genius child actor with genuine star appeal who normally comes off as cool and quiet. But when she's on stage she can change almost immediately. Ran recalls running into Shion a few times prior to this moment and comments that Shion will be difficult to beat. While Aoi recognizes this, Ichigo doesn't seem to since she's concentrating on having fun.

In their dorm room, Ichigo and Aoi watch an episode of Naughty Detectives and focus on every aspect that they can think of while doing so. While Ichigo is still excited about trying out, Aoi is still bothered by what Shion had said earlier and they begin to discuss her instead.

Meanwhile, Shion is busy training. But she stops to scold herself and consults a "dummies" series book for some more information.

The following day, johnny is acting like a detective but Aoi doesn't believe that such a role fits their teacher much. When he switches to his normal, well known appearance she claims this fits him better. Johnny announces that for this audition, there will be some options. Instead of just one role there will be two to try out for, one as the intellectual character, and the second as a boyish-type. He then goes on to say that he believes the most important thing to remember and focus on is the ability to ad-lib, which confuses just about everyone.

Later on while Ichigo struggles to think of which role she wants to play, Aoi and Ran decides to try for the intellectual role. Ichigo makes an attempt to act, but Ran claims that she does not fit the intellectual type of character and Aoi agrees, so she decides to try for the boyish role.

Later in the day, Aoi is discussing things with Ran and mentions how nervous she feels concerning the ad-lib part now. Ran is not confident in doing this either, and this surprises Aoi. She points out how Ran and Shion make themselves look so perfect, but Ran claims she only hides her weak points and she is sure that Shion does the same.

At lunch, everyone reacts in shock and horror when they see that Shion has cut off all of her pretty long hair. As she walks by, the others start to wonder if she made a mistake, but Aoi and Ran quickly point out that it was probably a form of method acting. This startles Ichigo, while they go on to explain that some actors are willing to go that far in order to perform a role. Now troubled, Aoi watches as Ichigo acts accordingly.

In their dorm room the anxious Aoi watches more Naughty Detectives. She is beginning to feel as though her acting is a poor, cheap imitation of the role she wants to try out for. As Ichigo sees how stressed out Aoi has become she brings her outside for a nightly run in hopes of calming down. They stop at the Gazebo and stop for a break when Aoi questions Ichigo to ask her why they are out there. Ichigo admits that she was hoping to help Aoi forget about her uneasy feelings, and Aoi, upon realizing it worked, thanks Ichigo.

To their surprise, Orihime approaches to inform them of how late it is. Ichigo apologizes and they explain why they came out so late. Aoi mentions her concerns and brings up what Shion said earlier, although Orihime is able to guess that it was Shion before she even says her name. She points out that Shion may have just said this in order to help herself for the Audition, not to be offensive. But she decides not to say anymore and suggests that the girls get to bed.

While the girls discuss Shion some more, she is shown to still be awake, busily practicing for the Audition. She starts to think about how she used to be, a girl with no self-confidence until her niche in acting came to be. She was very happy and hopes for this to remain forever.

The following morning, Ichigo wakes up to find Aoi researching something very difficult. When Ichigo happens to see it's after eight, they rush to get ready and head to school.

Since then, Aoi has been focusing spare time into putting effort and work into that role until the day of auditions arrive. After everyone sees there aren't any scripts, they realize this was what Johnny meant by ad-lib. When Ichigo spots Shion, she approaches her to wish her good luck, but Shion simply shoots Ichigo down by insisting that she is causing distractions. To get Ichigo to focus on the coords they should use, Aoi quickly pulls Ichigo to the side.

When the auditions begin, the girls all hesitantly watch from a distance. Ichigo is very excited to work alongside the actors in Naughty Detective and soon her try approaches. At first she does really good, but when she tries to bring the tea to them, she accidentally trips on the carpet and falls onto the floor. Despite catching the tea, Ichigo is very humiliated and runs back to hide by her friends, feeling remorse since she was unable to do much.

Soon Aoi's turn arrives and at first she does really good, until she is surprised by a question. She is able to answer it truthfully and this catches everyone's attention. Shion then takes her turn and she puts in a good Audition.

Eventually, it's revealed that the two who won the role were Aoi and Shion. Once everyone changes, Aoi thanks the others and Shion approaches her to comment that she actually had fun, going along to compliment Aoi

Sometime later the drama had been recorded and the girls are shown acting it out together. Otome and Ichigo are very excited, then Aoi brings up that Ichigo's part will be coming up next. Which reminds Ichigo that she did receive a small part - the one involving her falling onto the floor while delivering tea.

15- "Kusunoki no Koi" ("Camphor Tree Love")
(クスノキの恋)

Airdate: January 21, 2013

One day Otome paces around, trying to determine where she has wound up. So she starts to think about what led her there.

In class, Johnny brings up a very special audition. For those who pass, they will be given a Mastery of Appearance. Ichigo is really excited, but Aoi points out that in a way this is like a final exam for them. After class ends, Aoi informs the other three that she managed to get them a private dance lesson while Ran points out how important team work will be this time. They find the dance lesson very difficult and the woman claims that they are not even concentrating on their appearance. It doesn't matter how they look, and she tells them to think about themselves instead of her just telling them to.

As lunch comes by the girls try to figure out what the instructor may have meant, but Ichigo believes it just has to do with how one looks. She then goes on to say that Aoi has been keeping track of her calorie intake before they notice that Otome has only been eating a lot of sweets. She claims to be fine though and Aoi also points out that if eaten careful, chocolate can provide a good use for substance. Ran decides that a new discussion should be in order, but before she can think of something to say, they realize that Otome has run outside to look at the flowers.

They track her down and they drag her elsewhere to start discussing that she should get her hands on Premium Cards for the audition. She is the only one in the group without any and they take turns talking about the brands before Aoi recalls how much Otome likes Happy Rainbow. She explains how one obtains the Premium Cards before they go to ask Johnny where to locate Happy Rainbow's top designer. He mentions how hard it is to please this particular designer, but he claims he can easily set something up. But the girls accuse him of just going on to ask Orihime again.

Later on, the girls mention the Audition again and Otome frets over holding them back. Ran tells her that with this behavior she wont be able to pass, and she states that if they cannot all use the Premium Coords then none of them will. They will rely strictly on skills to show everyone that it wont matter. So with this said the girls quickly get to work training.

During break, Ichigo receives a text and reads it to the others.

The next day, the four girls proceed to chase their teacher around wondering what happened to getting the appointment with the top designer. He wasn't able to get it and feels really bad, but runs off so that they stop harassing him. Ran decides that none of them will use the premium cards, but suddenly Orihime comes by and gives Otome a letter from Makoto, the top designer of Happy Rainbow. She tells her not to be late since he's strict and right away Otome prepares to go for it.

Later on, Otome happens to wander by the same road she got lost on the previous day when she happens to spot a cute old lady. The woman scolds her for being rude and Otome apologizes and makes an attempt to leave. But she stops her to ask for help, explaining how she used to live in this town a long time ago and is in search of a big camphor tree. She wishes to find it as it's special to her, and while Otome is touched by this story, she realizes that she has her appointment to get to. However, she can't resist doing something so nice and helping love, so she agrees. The old woman introduces herself as Ikuyo and Otome promises to help her.

Meanwhile the trio are still trying to determine what's going on. They receive a text from Otome saying she needs their help and they leave the campus after they get permission. Upon locating her, Ran scolds her since they have more important things to do then look for a tree, but Otome claims this is just as important and asks them to help her look for the big camphor tree. Aoi tries to use the map on her Aikatsu phone, but struggles to locate the right one since there's so many. Ikuyo doesn't have any other information to help them, and because of her age she also can't walk that far on her own, so Ichigo volunteers to carry her.

After they visit six shrines, Ikuyo mentions that she did not see the tree and is worried they may have passed it. As the girls take turns carrying her, running back and fourth, she suddenly remembers that it has been over fifty years and can't remember anything else, other than where it may be. Ran believes they should be going since it's already after three, but Otome remains dedicated and they run around the area to speak to the residents in hopes of finding someone who recognizes it.

Suddenly Otome runs into a strange man and knocks him over. He scolds Otome and mentions that he has to hurry up for his appointment. She asks him about the three and Ichigo manages to locate it, but the only thing left is the stump. Where it is revealed that it had to be cut down after a bad storm ruined it. Despite that, Ikuyo is very happy to have found it and she tells them the story of what happened and mentions that the boy had turned her down. But she did marry soon after and even now, she has three grown children and her husband has become bedridden since then. Before she knew it, she had come there to search for her memories.

She thanks Otome for her help and gives her a special ring on a necklace that belonged to the boy that turned her down. It may be special to her, but she wants Otome to have it and her memories are good enough. She also thanks the others and takes her leave. The trio remind Otome of her appointment afterwards and by the time they reach it, Otome realizes that the strange man she ran into was Makoto, the top designer. Right away he accuses her of being after the Tropical Basket Coord he made and tells her that she can't have it since she's five minutes late. Aoi tries to explain why she was late but he refuses to hear it.

Although disappointed, Otome claims that it is fine because it was her own fault for being late. She does not deserve the time and effort he put into making the coord. Ran then mentions the time again and she decides that they will just use their normal coords. While Otome feels down, she also has great feelings about helping someone and brings up the pendant. Suddenly, Makoto asks Otome why he has it, since his Father gave one to him exactly like it. He checks the nearby drawer and finds his Fathers pendant still inside and starts to wonder if the old woman Otome was with may have been the very same one in his Fathers story.

He explains that his dad really liked this girl, but he had to reject her due to Family circumstances. He gave the pendant to her so that she would have something to remember him by, and like Otome, it was a very touching story to Makoto. He feels overjoyed in knowing that not even after fifty years, the woman still remembers it dearly. In hearing this Otome decides to give Makoto the other half of the pendant since she is sure his father and the woman would prefer it this way.

Touched by Otome's kindness Makoto decides to give her the Tropical Basket coord as thanks. But she is unable to thank him properly before Ran yanks her away to remind her that they have to hurry up and get back to school before they're too late for the audition. The four girls quickly run back and make it just in time to change and perform to "Trap of Love".

After their performance the girls notice they got the Mastery Mark. Mizuki has come by to comment on this and mentions how much harder things will be getting now. She then informs Ichigo that she's going to be her partner, much to Ichigo's shock.

16- "Dokkidoki!! Supesharu Raibu Pāto Wan" ("Exciting Special Concert, Part 1")
(ドッキドキ!! スペシャルライブ PART 1)

Airdate: January 28, 2013

Ichigo is worried that she won't be able to do a good job with Mizuki so Aoi and Ran try to calm her nerves by saying they will be there to support her. She voices that she is very happy to be with Mizuki and is excited, which causes them to start wondering if she has strong nerves or if she's too dense.

Later on, Ichigo looks for the meeting room and she finds a bunch of people inside there. She notices the way Mizuki is acting and it is pointed out that Ichigo should be greeting everyone in the room. They seem to be impressed with how lively Ichigo is, and Orihime comes in to join them. The meeting gets started after to discuss Mizuki's Premium Shiny Stage Performance, where it is revealed that they got fifty-thousand audience members within two seconds and plan to use the Aikatsu System in order to change stages within seconds.

They also plan to make a Mizuki cafe, shop, and even a contest to deem which girl is the most like Mizuki. All of this impresses Ichigo, while everyone else seems completely straight faced about it. There are one-thousand staff members and Mizuki introduces herself to them, then she introduces Ichigo as the second performer, who will sing about two songs. After being asked to introduce herself, Ichigo struggles to think of something to say until promising not to lose before Mizuki before being seated. Everyone is still very supportive of Ichigo and they all seem to enjoy her fresh and perky behavior.

They move onto the next discussion with the meeting, involving which songs they will put into the performance. They have wrote everything down on a program and Mizuki mentions an idea to start with some happy, exciting songs. Everyone makes suggestions and they begin to discuss how they can improve attention on her until the meeting ends.

Ichigo is highly worn out from it when Mizuki has her come to go on a walk. They go outside when Ichigo points out that Mizuki has began to address her differently. Just as the trio wonder how things are going, Ichigo and Mizuki happen to walk by them, but Ichigo does not return their attention.

Suddenly, Honoka shows up to inform Ichigo that her training from hell is about to begin. Ichigo watches as Mizuki jumps on a giant trampoline to make an alternate pose in the air. Ichigo is surprised and when her turn begins, she returns with less-than great results. Mizuki tries to encourage Ichigo by explaining to them the alternate appeals idols can do and how they work. She voices that Ichigo probably did her Special Appeal by a stroke of luck and it is nothing more, because only pro-idol can use special appeals with ease.

Meanwhile, Aoi and Ran are going over the same thing. Ran mentions that Mizuki is the only idol that can do the maximum three appeals in one turn, and this is believed by everyone to be the reason why she is as talented as she is.

Mizuki continues to explain Special Appeals to Ichigo but they are forced to stop when Mizuki has to leave for a job. She compliments Ichigo for trying and Ichigo is left wondering what she may need to do in order to achieve a Special Appeal.

Late that night, Aoi gets a call from Honoka and she finds Ichigo practicing on the trampoline. She had gotten a feeling that Ichigo skipped dinner to keep training, so she wanted Aoi to come and check on her. The trio begin to prepare something for Ichigo and when meeting up with her, she discusses the training she was doing before they begin to discuss Special Appeals. They try to encourage Ichigo by saying that she is not a top Idol so the best isn't expected of her, but Ichigo is bothered by this since she doesn't want people overlooking her flaws just because she is a rookie. She recalls that Mizuki questioned this earlier when she claimed not to mind very much.

Ran tells Ichigo to finish eating, then she brings her back to the dorm room to show her Mizuki's homepage. She points out how excited all of Mizuki's fans are in their comments and Ichigo begins to realize that she can't keep making excuses for herself when it comes to such crucial things. She thanks Ran and decides she will give her all in order to be able to reach three special appeals.

She spends the following day practicing and training but still cannot reach the right answer to tell her what else she needs to reach such goals.

Eventually the day before the concert arrives. Mizuki tells Ichigo to just put all of her effort into it and to give the rehearsal everything she can. Ichigo then asks Mizuki why she's suddenly begun to address her differently, and Mizuki mentions that it is proper to do so for someone who can stand on the same stage as herself. But she tells Ichigo not to hold back either and they go to change, picking the coords chosen for the performance before they appear on stage, where they sing to "Idol Activity!"

After the performance, Ichigo thinks about how she was only able to perform one special appeal. When she comes across two of the staff members, they claim she did a very good job and she continues outside. Mizuki approaches Ichigo and asks her why she feels down, though Ichigo claims it to be nothing. Only to admit her disappointment in only performing one Special Appeal. Mizuki claims that just because she only did one today doesn't mean she wont be able to do three tomorrow, because Idols have to keep moving forward and being frustrated will actually encourage Ichigo to keep going. This advice makes her feel a lot better and she decides to spend whatever time she has left training, which causes Mizuki to realizes that Orihime had actually been right about Ichigo.

17- "Dokkidoki!! Supesharu Raibu Pāto Tsū" ("Exciting Special Concert, Part 2")
(ドッキドキ!! スペシャルライブ PART 2)

Airdate: February 4, 2013

As the day of the concert arrives, Ichigo's mother, Ringo, has a feeling of nostalgia as she takes Raichi to the theater. Meanwhile, Ichigo is nervous as she hasn't been able to do three Special Appeals during her rehearsal, but Aoi, Ran and Otome show up to give her their support. As Ichigo takes the stage for her first performance alongside Mizuki, she is able to perform three Special Appeals and make a strong impression on the crowd. However, during the second performance, Ichigo starts to feel a bit weak, but Mizuki manages to give her the strength to see it to the end of the song whilst also performing a fourth Special Appeal herself. Following the concert, Ichigo seems to be spacing out a lot, although she eventually explodes into high praise for Mizuki whilst talking to Naoto, desiring to be a top idol just like her.

18- "Chokotto Rabu" ("A Little Chocolate Love")
(チョコっとらぶ)

Airdate: February 11, 2013

As Ichigo, Aoi, Ran and Otome are asked to perform for a Valentine's Day Fashion Show, the girls decide to make some handmade chocolate for the event before spending the night picking out their choice of clothes. Meanwhile, Raichi, who wants to receive some chocolate from Aoi, sneaks into Starlight Academy dressed as a girl, posing as Ichigo's little sister so he can help make the chocolate. However, he becomes depressed when he finds Aoi hasn't made any chocolate for him. He does cheer up after watching everyone in the fashion show. After the performance, Aoi gives Raichi some chocolate of his own.

19- "Tsukiyo no Anoko wa Himitsu no Kaori" ("The Secret Scent of the Moonlit Girl")
(月夜のあの娘は秘密の香り)

Airdate: February 18, 2013

Ichigo has an upcoming audition for a very minor role on a well known series. She's pretty nervous, so in hopes of encouraging her, Otome gives her a special charm to give her luck. When they realize the time they take over the cleaning for her since she hadn't finished.

Meanwhile Orihime and Johnny discuss Ichigo and how well she's been doing.

Very late in the evening, Ichigo happens to come across a strange girl. She grows nervous while the girl talks about taking her blood, but suddenly she spots the charm Ichigo is wearing and runs off, causing Ichigo to ask herself if the girl was rehearsing.

The following day in class Ichigo discusses how her job went with the others. She wasn't very happy with how it turned out though, since it didn't sound right to her. Ran asks Ichigo to reenact what she did so that they can see, then they claim that she wasn't being in character. As Otome insists that she likes Ichigo how she is, she remembers her charm and the mentions the incident from the previous night while returning it. Their discussion ends after they hear the bell and Otome is forced to run off to class while Johnny arrives.

He begins to discuss the new rock concert audition that is being sponsored by Loli Goth. At first it sounds exciting, but everyone begins to feel discouraged when he mentions that Yurika is expected to win. Ichigo asks who Yurika is, and Aoi is able to give her a little bit of information before they go to Otome to speak to her after class, since Yurika is a classmate of hers. While they observe her Ichigo realizes her as the one she ran into and watch as she opens a parasol to cover her from the sunlight. Ichigo questions this and they explain that a Vampire does not like Garlic, or Sunlight, along with Silver. In hearing this Ichigo is able to understand why Yurika ran off.

During lunch, they continue to observe Yurika as she drinks rose tea. Aoi mentions that vampires only drink rose tea, red wine, and sometimes tomato juice, but they don't eat. While Ichigo is taken by her mysterious nature, Otome mentions how popular Yurika is. The four continue to spy on Yurika until Ichigo decides she wishes to go and say hello to her. She makes an attempt, but Ichigo goes on to mention being the girl she ran into last night and wishes Yurika luck for the upcoming audition, wish she wants to take part in too. Yurika chastises Ichigo for being careless and claims that someone as rude as her would be beheaded before storming off when it begins to get brighter out.

Everyone returns to the Dorm Room while they discuss how her character acting it. Ran points out that while they don't know what about her is real and what isn't, the LoLi GoThiC brand suits her perfectly. Aoi then comments that it is really impressive for Yurika to do this, since Character Acting is a hard talent; but when mastered it is a weapon for idols. So if Ichigo wants to stand a chance against Yurika she would need an even stronger character. They try to think of a new character for Ichigo, and try pirate, werewolf, and a strawberry alien, but they determine that it wont be easy. Ichigo admits not to having anymore ideas so they begin to overlook the Loli Gothic fashions for some help.

Late that night, Mizuki comes by to speak to Ichigo. Ichigo mentions Yurika to Mizuki, who mentions that she is impressed before taking off, wishing Ichigo luck.

The following day, they try to figure out how Yurika used to behave before the vampire craze took place. After Ichigo happens to spot Yurika, she tries to speak to her but she is scolded once again. Yurika gets up to leave after Ichigo notices that she is listening to one of Mizuki's songs, and while she is surprised she feels a little closer to Yurika. She goes on to reveal a sudden idea she has gotten for her own Character: Bride of Frankenstein.

This brand new Ichigo is found to be off-putting for everyone, and when she runs into Naoto he questions why she's dressed in such a strange outfit. He also points out that if she's not really enjoying it then her fans wont either.

Later on, Aoi finds Ichigo and runs up to her. They discuss how Aoi's meeting went before they smell something reminiscent of garlic. They spot Yurika near one of the dorms holding a big bowl of garlic noodles and they realize why she never eats at lunch. This is to keep her character, and allows her to order something in private later.

The following day, the two inform Ran and Otome what they happened to see, and later in the evening Ichigo decides to go out for a run before it gets too late. But when she goes out so far, Ichigo notices smoke coming from one of the rooms. She runs inside to find Yurika tripping as she runs out of her room. Ichigo checks on her and Yurika reveals that her parasol was left in the room. Ichigo runs in, much to her surprise and she grabs it for her, but she is scolded by Naoto for risking her safety.

Once the fire is put out Naoto checks on the two girls. Yurika reveals that she accidentally knocked down a candle she was busy using for a ritual and because of how badly she feels over it, she invites the other girls into her room for some tea. They are surprised to see how different she looks, and she mentions that while she looks different, she really does adore vampires. Especially the sorrowful romance novels. It's because of them that she began to enjoy vampires, and she quickly apologizes for speaking so much. The others believe she can audition like this but Yurika explains that she cannot. Since she was little she has always loved European dolls and collected a bunch of them to play with and keep her company. But when she entered Starlight Academy, she felt as though she had nothing in comparison to the other girls. That was when she found the Loli Gothic Coords and her vampire character was born soon after. She can't quit something that her fans love of her the most, along with her own love of the character.

With that thought in mind, Ichigo realizes what she was doing wrong earlier and eventually the day of the audition comes up. The two girls wish each other luck and they change into their desired coords before they appear on stage to perform to "Glass Doll".

Once the audition ends, it's revealed that Yurika won due to how well she showed the brand. While Ichigo lost, the higher ups of Loli Gothic were pretty impressed that she chose her favored brand over theirs and that she could show how much fun she was having in it. It really encouraged them to open up their line a bit more.

20- "Vanpaia Sukyandaru" ("Vampire Scandal")
(ヴァンパイアスキャンダル)

Airdate: February 25, 2013

Ichigo is busy training when Aoi returns with a bunch of magazines. As Ichigo notices Mizuki on most of the covers, Aoi explains that she relies on them for some of her idol research. She happens to spot a peculiar page and shows Ichigo the pictures of Yurika; out of her vampire character.

Ran and Otome run out to check on Yurika and find her in the courtyard. Yurika scolds Otome for openly speaking to her and makes an attempt to bite her, but Ran gets her away. Aoi and Ichigo join them to inform her of what has happened.

Orihime and Johnny-sensei discuss the situation as well, and while Johnny is worked up and worried considering Yurika's special performance will be coming up, Orihime actually thinks a scandal is a challenge all idols need to learn to overcome at some point. If they cannot then maybe they are not meant to be idols after all.

Yurika leaves to sulk in her dorm room while the four notice her parasol was left behind. Ichigo recalls that the images must have been taken while Ichigo escorted her to the Hospital when she got sick a while back. They also spot a picture of Yurika being given her Garlic Ramen. Ichigo comments on how cute Yurika is, while Aoi points out that having a scandal wrote about an idol is the true marking of someone in their Idol Debut Stages. But Ran mentions that it is still a bad thing since this might affect her Aikatsu Ranking, if her fan rank was to suffer. Aoi goes along to explain the Aikatsu Ranking to Ichigo and Otome and points out that Mizuki is at the very top. Everyone aims to be like Mizuki by improving their rankings, so Ran worries over Yurika's will to keep going. So Ichigo suggests they go to check on her.

Yurika feels remorse over what happened and she thinks how Mizuki would never let this happen to her. Ichigo tries to help her by changing the topic by asking her which coord she will be using. Ran happens to spot her Loli Gothic book so she asks if they can look through it. Inside are many Loli Gothic cards and they all make suggestions. Ran thinks she should be using a Premium Card set but Yurika does not have any yet.

They think this is just the thing she needs to help get over this crisis, but Ran informs them that the top designer is pretty scary and intimidating, so it's really hard to get cards from him. But to encourage Yurika they offer to come with her, but she tells them that it is fine and that she just wont go to the event. So she asks them to leave her be.

Later on in the evening Ichigo happens to run across Johnny. As soon as she brings up the top designer for Loli Gothic, Johnny runs away in fear. She goes on and finds Naoto, so she tries to talk to him. He mentions that if Yurika does not have the will to continue, then getting premium cards will not make a difference. He then goes on his way as Ichigo begins to realize he is right.

She heads back to see Yurika and once again tries to perk her up. She happens to notice something in the nearby bush, but just for a second. She attempts to get Yurika out of the door and claims that her fans will want to see her, but Yurika instead tells her that she gives up as an idol. Her fans only love her character, not the real her. Ichigo is able to yank Yurika outside of the dormitory and right away she hides behind her as a bunch of girls begin to appear.

Ichigo explains that she had been coming back to see Yurika when she caught a bunch of them hiding in the bushes. They had come to see Yurika since she usually comes out in search of her new victim during the evening, and even though she's been hiding in her room they knew she would one day return to them. Yurika is touched by their words and slowly she moves from behind Ichigo. While concerned she decides that she has to do this, and giving up isn't an answer. She has to get those Premium Rare cards.

Ichigo gets a call from Orihime, who reveals that she just managed to get an appointment with the top designer of Loli Gothic. So Yurika is free to go whenever she begins to feel better.

Later on the five girls head towards a big, scary building. They make sure it is the right location while somewhat nervous; except for Yurika and Otome. She is very dedicated to going inside to find the Designer and they all head in once the gates open, unaware that someone is watching them.

They begin to observe the many strange sights surrounding them. Yurika feels badly for making the others come with her like this, but Ran tells her that it isn't a big deal. She tries to put on a brave face but finds herself spooked by a bat that flies right past her. Otome goes to pick up the bat, thinking that it is a kitty-cat. While the others try to tell her, it oddly meows, causing them to become annoyed.

Meanwhile, Orihime and Bepp are discussing how things are going. Johnny is busy working on a nice tomato juice, but he can't figure out how to improve it. Orihime reminds him of the time he went to Maya's home after, when he went to deliver a gift but ran away in right because he got so scared. She also mentions that his surprising him was only a a form of hospitality, but Johnny does not see how. While it may have been a little to much, it tests the idols regarding the brand, along with their resolution. So far nobody has ever passed this scary test, but Yurika may be the very first.

Suddenly, a suit of armor comes to attack the girls. Ran kicks it and knocks it over in one blow, and to her surprise, it's actually a fan of hers dressed up. He tells them how they can get to Maya faster and they thank him before taking off. According to him they have passed the first checkpoint and come to the next, which involves a bunch of scary voices. While all the girls run off, Yurika grows angry hearing what the ghostly spirits say to her and has to be yanked away by Ichigo. They reach a room full of spirits and other ghastly sights but Otome and Ran them off as Ichigo and Aoi hold off a scary witch and make Yurika keep going.

She runs down a long hallway and is told that she is the first visitor to make it this far. Maya claims to have haunted his home for over three-hundred years before saying that this is not the place for little girls to wander around. Yurika remains not at all phased as the others show up. She startles the spirits that have arrived and claims that his three-hundred years is no match for her six-hundred. She came all the way here to meet him and he is going to give her the Premium Cards. Maya gets up to reveal the Premium Dress to her and he asks if she is fit to wear it, because it is only for strong girls. He mentions the scandal she's involved with and claims that girls like this aren't fit for the designs.

In response Yurika grabs the newspaper and tosses it into the nearby fire, saying that she needs it. She will get her courage back from her fans and he asks if she is worthy the way she is now. She admits that maybe not right now, but she loves this brand and one day will be ready for it, but until then and even after, she will make sure she stays as the top idol in Loli Gothic. These words surprise Maya and he rewards Yurika with the coord. This makes her very happy but she tries to cover it with her cool personality.

Soon the day of Rock Fest comes. At this point, Johnny has managed to perfect the tomato juice drink and he gives it to Yurika while encouraging her to think like a vampire again. Touched by his words, she thanks him before complimenting the nice taste. She then runs back to change, then appears on stage to perform to "Glass Doll".

After her performance, Yurika takes her leave. She sees a bunch of her fans outside who all comment on how much they enjoyed the performance, as well as how cute they thought her normal appearance was also. They hope to see it again someday, and Yurika claims that it is very special to her, so they are lucky to have seen it. This makes the fans very excited while she utters her phrase to them and they go crazy. The others watch from behind and happily comment on how Yurika is back to normal.

21- "Oshare Kaitō ☆ Suwarōteiru" ("Stylish Phantom Thief ☆ Swallowtail")
(オシャレ怪盗☆スワロウテイル)

Airdate: March 4, 2013

Ichigo, Ran, Otome and Yurika are given the chance to audition for a movie remake of Stylish Thief ☆ Swallowtail, a show which previously starred Masquerade, the idol pair Orihime was a part of. As the gang train for the audition, Yurika chooses not to in order to keep with her vampire character. Upon arriving at the audition, the girls are tasked with recovering a card that was stolen from a holographic Mizuki from a booby trap filled castle, where Ichigo and Otome's hasty movements cause trouble for Ran and Yurika. Although Yurika manages to help the gang get past a group of guards, her lack of training makes itself noticeable when she has to dodge security lasers. As the girls soon reach the escape phase of their audition, they end up having to fight their way past Aoi and Shion onto a hot air balloon. When the balloon suddenly starts to descend, Ichigo and Otome decide to get off to lighten the balloon, shortly joined by Ran and Yurika, who decide to join them. As the audition comes to a close, they each receive a Mark of Acting in their Aikatsu Phones, including Aoi, while Ichigo and Otome are chosen for the roles in the movie.

22- "Aidoru Ōra to Karendā Gāru" ("Idol Aura and Calendar Girl")
(アイドルオーラとカレンダーガール)

Airdate: March 11, 2013

Aoi anticipates the upcoming commercial to show off the brand new movie Ichigo and Otome will be staring in. She is recording it, which surprises Ichigo, and explains that even if it is only a commercial everyone will have everyone has great expectations for a future career regarding an actors career. She is sure the movie will catch on and be very popular, and Ichigo thinks that Aoi is probably right since she's never wrong. Ichigo then admits that she is also excited and Aoi claims they will have to go to the movie theater to see it.

The group head over to the movies in hopes that they can. Ran points out how risky it can be for someone to show up and watch a movie they star in, but Aoi argues by saying that she wants to see it since it's the first time someone she knows is getting the lead role. Ichigo made sure to dress up so that nobody recognizes her, while Otome chases a balloon someone is holding. Ran and Aoi are able to calm her down by pointing out that the news media wouldn't leave them alone if they found out they were there. Ichigo believes they will be fine with their disguises though, until Aoi mentions that she overdid it and sticks out. So they help Ichigo dress down while explaining that if an Actor or Idol was to try too hard, it still causes attention. Before they head inside, they begin to discuss an idols scent as a clueless Ichigo follows.

Once inside, Aoi reveals that she already got tickets for everyone. While they walk past, Raichi and Ringo are busy trying to decide which popcorn they want and Raichi manages to detect the scent of an idol. But when he looks, he can only smell it from his mother and begins to grow a little curious. The movie soon starts after and the girls watch it, along with Ringo and Raichi - who is disappointed that Aoi did not make an appearance.

After the movie ends Aoi congratulates both girls an Ran decides to take off since they're finished. Aoi mentions her Idol Aura once again and in this time Raichi detects it. He greets everyone before offering a small wrapped item to Ran and takes a picture of her accepting it. As Ringo approaches, she greets the girls and meets Otome. Raichi uses this moment to take pictures of the girls before Ichigo asks them for their opinions. They mention liking it, and Ran compliments Raichi's Idol Aura sensing abilities. He mentions that while he isn't sure how or why, he felt like he smelled the scent of an idol. Aoi also compliments him as he continues to say that each Idol has their own scent. Aoi's is sparkly, Ran reminds him of a fluttering butterfly, and Otome smells like candies. But he is unable to detect anything from Ichigo, other than some coffee she had earlier since it got spilled.

Later on, Ichigo keeps smelling herself while trying to determine why she can't find her own scent. Aoi comes by and mentions that when people say "idol scent" they really mean the aura. It isn't an actual scent. She asks Ichigo if she's ever felt it before, and after Ichigo mentions that she felt it from Mizuki, they go outside and she attempts to imitate Mizuki. But she gets nothing from it.

The next day in school, Bepp mentions that the girls got a job offer for a public concert. They won't have to audition for it, because the sponsors have already seen them perform due to their many appearances they just happened to see; Aoi has been seen a lot on TV because of her role in Naughty Detectives, Ran has her regular work modeling, and Ichigo because of the number of viewers her movie got. The three of them had been asked for specifically, and Ichigo also has an offer to appear on the radio to promote the movie. This surprises her, but she's eager to try it anyway and decides that she has to work even harder now to try to show off her Idol Aura.

During Lunch Ichigo notices that Yurika has an Aura. Girls nearby offer her some of the garlic-dishes they have, then a tomato. Yurika accepts the tomato but claims that accepting garlic is just begging for the one offering to have their blood sucked. Which of course excites the girls. Meanwhile, Otome is watching a girl as she eats a parfait and comments on how delicious it looks. This causes Ichigo to grow more concerned as she watches more and more aura begin to appear. She also notices that Mizuki's aura is always seen out, but this makes her even more dedicated to get her own.

Later on, a desperate Ichigo tries to yell and get her aura to appear. As she keep doing this, Aoi and Ran watch from the distance. When Ichigo realizes it's time for the radio show she takes off and heads over to the radio building while listening to people discuss idols. She finds herself growing more anxious but the man assures her that if she has any problems he can ask. He also points out that since she will be on, they're expecting a lot more viewers and listeners; adding to her nervous feelings.

Raichi turns on the problem to listen to it before expressing surprise when he hears Ichigo will be on. She struggles to speak and apologizes for being so nervous, and the man asks her some question. However, Ichigo is unable to answer until he announces a commercial break. They turn off the radio for a moment and again she apologizes and claims that his mentioning of the viewers made her worry even more. He offers her some advice and they resume the show by going to the Idol Tip Corner segment of the show. Ichigo takes the paper and reads that it is from someone named "Raichingale". As Ichigo reads it, Raichi is on the floor in agony, fearing Ichigo may end up saying something or have found out that he was the one who wrote it. She goes on to finish the letter about a person who is so hung up over their feelings for Aoi that they worry over their future. Sometimes they feel they have to hurry up to find their future and wonder if it's really okay to keep chasing after Aoi like that.

Ichigo is very easily able to relate to this by saying that she became an idol because she was chasing after Mizuki. But after she had begun to enjoy it she suddenly found herself overflowing with her own dreams. She is sure that if this person keeps doing the things they like they will come to a dream of their own, and she knows that this is the truth since she's put her own time into this career. As Raichi listens, he is able to pick up Ichigo's aura. Meanwhile, the man informs Ichigo that she's gotten too close to the microphone and they move onto the next message.

After the show ends, Ran and Aoi mention that they could really feel her aura overflowing. The keys for an Idol to find her Aura is to know who she is as an idol, as well as how strong her feelings are for the life of an Idol. Ichigo's aura appeared because of the confidence she was able to show and build up from working so much.

It's then the girls arrive at the location of their performance. Aoi steps out, then Ran after she gives Ichigo advice. She starts to think about how she felt during the show while stepping from the vehicle. Unknowingly her aura is beautifully shining as she approaches Ran and Aoi. They come to the changing area and put their coord cards inside of the machine and change, then they appear on stage and sing to perform "Calendar Girl".

Raichi congratulates the girls before complimenting Ichigo. He thanks her for answering his worries earlier also, but she has no idea what he is talking about until he admits to being Raichingale. Ichigo is highly surprised, and this causes Raichi to angrily comment that he shouldn't have said anything to begin with.

At school, Orihime watches the girls performance with Mizuki. She is happy that it went as good as it did, then she mentions how Ran will be part of a brand audition approaching.

23- "Ageha na Myūzu" ("Swallowtail's Muse")
(アゲハなミューズ)

Airdate: March 18, 2013

Ran is in the middle of training for the seasonal audition to decide who will be the representative of her favored brand, Spicy Ageha. The other four watch as she practices her model walk and even Yurika seems impressed, though she covers it up by claiming how rare it is for her to compliment someone. They go to compliment how cute Yurika's normal self is, and she considers this flattering until hurriedly threatening to suck their blood. Ran comes by and thanks the girls for waiting for her, and Ichigo claims they're having fun learning and watching her. They all want her to win and Ichigo wishes that she will.

The next day, Johnny begins discussing spring and the approaching Graduation Ceremony. The third year students will be graduating this month, March, and he goes over the message he got from Mizuki. She starts by greeting everyone and makes an important announcement. For this years graduation ceremony there will be a fashion show that the high school students and alumnae of the academy will be attending. She wishes everyone to do their best and asks that anyone who will be trying out to contact her.

During lunch the girls recall how right after class, Ichigo had found Mizuki in order to apply for Ran. Ran is beyond angry with her for doing this but everyone thinks she would be perfect.

All of the underclassmen had quickly got to work preparing the sending-off event for the graduating seniors. Ichigo suggests they try something flashy when Aoi agrees to it, only to inform her right after that she has a lot of paint on the side of her face. Which apparently, Ichigo didn't notice.

After school ends, Ichigo and Aoi walk around the campus while complaining about the cold. They see Ran run towards them and she mentions that she's been running twice as much that day. She wants to give the Audition her all and goes on to mention that there is someone she has to beat. They return to the dormitory, where she begins to discuss the third year student, Ema. A model with an expertise when it comes to styling with Aikatsu cards. No matter what she wears she always looks great, which is why it's so important that she can overtake her. She recalls the first time she met Ema, when she saw the amazing amount of Aikatsu cards she had on hand. Ema was able to deduce that Ran loved Spicy Ageha and they discussed how much they liked fashion. While Ran only liked Spicy Ageha, Ema likes all sorts of different clothing and she manages to make all of the combinations work. But Spicy Ageha is everything to Ran, so upon finishing her story, Aoi and Ichigo decide that they need to help her out.

While Ran exercises, she admits that she began to like the brand when she was in her third year of elementary school. Her hair was cut really short and because of that she was often mistaken for a boy. She had been modeling boy clothing, which Aoi deduces to be very rare now before going into despair over not knowing this. and she gets frustrated and claims to be in despair. She asks if Ran would happen to have any pictures left and Ichigo asks Ran why she decided to change her image. After wearing Spicy Ageha for the first time she felt like an entirely different person. She decided to change into someone befitting of the brand, and while she doesn't know if it was what shaped her into who she is now, she really loves Spicy Ageha and doesn't plan on losing.

Eventually the day of the audition comes along and the anxious duo await the results. As Ichigo stresses out, they are joined by Ran who informs them that she had lost. She claims to be fine, and mentions how excited the top designer had been over Ema - something that is considered to be rare. As she was leaving the performance area, Orihime had momentarily stopped her to reveal that she performed perfectly, but she just didn't have what it takes to become the Designers muse. She asked Ran to think this over, and Aoi explains what a Muse is to Ichigo. The Designer didn't want someone perfect, just a muse who could inspire her. Ran takes this as a sign that she isn't good enough yet, but she plans to work much harder now.

As they run later on in the day, Ran tries to ditch Aoi and Ichigo since they're slowing her down but they try to say that she's already way ahead of them but they are trying to keep up. Unknown to the trio, Mizuki, Ema, and two unknown upperclassmen are watching them train. They comment on how well she is doing before claiming that they shouldn't let their guards down.

After their run, Ran leaves to run another lap. But before she can Ichigo reminds her that they had to work on the graduation ceremony's fashion show now. She refuses by saying that she isn't ready for it yet and takes off as Ichigo and Aoi wonder if Ran felt worse then she led on.

Soon the day of the Graduation Ceremony comes. Everyone else had gone to finish preparing for it but they don't know if Ran is showing up or not. At the moment the girls are preparing bouquets while discussing her, but Aoi points out that they need to focus more on the ceremony to make sure it's good enough for the Graduating students. She is sure that Ran will come though, to ease their worries.

Ran decides to take a break from her training upon realizing she's been tiring herself out. She is surprised when Orihime shows up and comments that Ran isn't enjoying herself. She brings her to the third floor into a room full of portraits of the Graduating students; all posed and modeling together. Ran is unable to understand until Orihime mentions that they're all enjoying themselves, and it's obvious in the pictures. Ema had done all of the styling for the pictures, so she has a lot of fun preparing for them, and partaking in them. She openly questions if being around her makes others want to be more stylish also, since the class has a lot of fashion-based students before recalling how Ema has inspired many designers.

Ema is amazing because she understands what its like to be a muse. Orihime reminds Ran of what a muse is, then goes on to say that a muse is beautiful and wise. Each trait a muse has inspires to large numbers of artist and their existence is why so many artists and designers can keep going. Ran is also like this, and she points out that her friends saw her effort and they decided to put in the same amount for the Ceremony. Designers are like that as well, and those who can awaken the spark of creativity inside of them are called muses.

Ran thinks back to how happy the top designer for muse seemed back then when Ema was performing in the auditions, then realizes the error of her way. With that in mind, Orihime hands her pack of new outfits and explains to her that the top designer left them for Ran so that she could have them when she began to smile again.

Later, the four girls wait for Ran to show up as Mizuki gives a speech. They are sure she will, and by the time she does she is quick to apologize for being so late. At first Yurika is happy but she is quick to save face by insisting Ran was rude to make her wait. Aoi suggests that Ran get ready, but she tells them she wants them to come with her., which they do not understand until she explains that she got Spicy Ageha coords for each of them. She hands them over and the five girls go to change, appearing on stage where they perform to "Growing for a Dream".

Congratulations are passed around by the time they finish and Ran runs off to find Ema. She gives her a bouquet and promises to her that someday she will make it to the same stage as her; and even go on to surpass her. This pleases Ema while Johnny and Orihime watch from nearby. Johnny congratulates himself for a job well done, until Orihime reminds him that he didn't even do anything.

24- "Enjoi♪ Ofutaimu"	("Enjoying Time Off♪")
(エンジョイ♪オフタイム)

Airdate: March 25, 2013

The trio change into their coords to partake in an audition. They perform to "Ponytail After School", with each girl performing an appeal.

Once it comes to an end, they comment on how nice it was to finish their last audition for the time being. Ichigo and Aoi are excited for Spring Break, but Ran informs them that for an Idol, it is Off Time, not Spring Break. They go to the dormitory to go over Fashion Central, a place they all wish to go have a shopping spree at, as well as go out to eat. Ran comments on how easy this sounds and the girls ask her what she considers "off time" to be. Ran believes visiting a hot springs would be best since there is an ad for it.

Ichigo comments on how grown up this decision is, but Aoi doesn't understand how it Ran considers it to be an Idol thing until Ran points out that Mizuki had snuck off from her vacation to visit one. This causes Aoi to realize that she could kill two birds with one stone, since she had intended on making a spring report. It would also be really good for their skin and foods they sell will just taste that much better.

Come morning, the trio all meet up. Ran is surprised to see the luggage Aoi brought with her, but she assures she just wants to make sure they can be ready for anything. As Ran quickly tells her to put it away, Ichigo runs up and apologizes for being late. Raichi had kept her up to make sure she remembered to take pictures of Aoi, and she just happened to miss one of the transfer trains. They all compliment each other for their Spring coordination they chose for their little adventure, but stop when a couple happen to recognize Ran. The girl asks her to shake hands and announces herself as a fan. Ran kindly responds as Ichigo curiously watches.

Once they leave, the trio board the train and they take off their disguise items after realizing their identities aren't at much risk. Ran scolds Ichigo over her excitement, since it's considered unprofessional but Ichigo tells her this moment is special since it's the first time they're all going on a trip together. She starts to imitate Johnny-sensei when another fan happens to approach them - this one an older woman who recognized Ichigo. However, she doesn't recall her name and asks for an autograph after Ichigo introduces herself. She is a little confused, but she takes the little wrinkled paper and eager to please, begins to sign her autograph.

After the woman leaves, the snack cart woman walks along the train asking if anyone would like something to eat or drink. The girls ask for some bento, but Ichigo isn't very sure what to get since they don't have a seaweed bento, her favorite. When nobody can make up their mind, Aoi suggests that she and Ichigo can split the healthy bento. Ichigo agrees before telling Ran that she should get the hamburg steak bento, but Ran accuses her of being the one who really wants it before voicing her desire to just order a few sandwiches. Ichigo tries to convince Ran to get the hamburg bento, but it doesn't work.

The girls all order a separate item and begin to eat, with Aoi practicing a food report with Ichigo. Ichigo discusses the selling points of her bento, then mentions the dexterity and texture before she eats a bite. She explains how wonderful the taste is and adds which side dishes she believes would be good. Aoi ends the practice, then Ichigo takes the piece of parsley that Ran was saving for last. She regrets the idea and ofers her some pickled vegetables, though this doesn't really help much. Aoi is able to keep the peace though by suggesting that they have some tea. But it doesn't work, so they settle for a more mature drink, cafe au lait.

Eventually Ran points out that they are crossing over the sea. Ichigo feels sad that they can't go for a swim and hang out at the beach. But she reconsiders after they explain that a tan is no longer considered nice or healthy for an Idol. Throughout the remainder of their trip, the girls take naps and also play a round of cards until they soon arrive.

However the girls find themselves in an area they didn't expect and assume that they are at the train station still. Aoi looks up something with her phone to point out that by bus, it will take twenty more minutes to reach the hot springs. They happen to spot a vehicle that they think is the right bus, but they find it somewhat stranger while riding it, since it's a lot different then what they are used to riding. Ichigo opens the window to observe the beautiful scenery outside and comment on it's relaxing nature before shutting it.

As they are passing by a field of Rape Blossoms they ask the driver to stop the bus so that they can get a better look. Since it is so early, Ichigo suggests that they should have a flower viewing with some tea. They take out their tarts; a cream cheese, chocolate, and fruit, but after Ichigo is unable to decide which she wants the girls play rock-paper-scissors to decide. Aoi gets the first choice but can't decide either, given how each one was specially made and well thought over. The cream cheese was carefully picked and sent from Burgoyne, the chocolate was imported from Paris, and the Fruit has entirely hand-grown fruits from an Organic Farm.

To settle this, Ichigo gives Aoi the fruit tart by claiming it fits her image, then she swipes the chocolate one for herself, which both Aoi and Ran wanted. They call Ichigo greedy and start to chase her around before deciding to split each tart so that they can all have some of each. Ichigo is disappointed over her small chocolate tart piece but Aoi and Ran find it fair since they just gave her the piece she already began to eat. To go with the tarts, Aoi pours some Earl Gray Tea while explaining that it is a form of Black Tea. Once they finish eating they all lay down to relax for a while, with Aoi and Ran voicing concern over gaining weight if they were to fall asleep a certain way. To their surprise they find Ichigo is already asleep though, so they allow themselves to drift off to sleep as well.

After Ichigo wakes up, the other two do and Aoi points out how late it is. If they do not hurry then they won't have very much time at the Springs. They head back to the bus stop but are unable to figure out when the next bus will be coming by, since the last one was just a lucky moment. Ran points out that it doesn't matter anyway since they will need to get back to the train station now. Or else they risk being too late to get home. Aoi feels bad since she hadn't looked this up back at home, while Ichigo blames herself since she was the one who wanted to stop and see the flowers to begin with. With no other option they decide to walk to the station.

Aoi mentions that they have an hour or so to walk, then Ichigo offers to take her suitcase since it's probably heavy. She refuses at first, but Ran takes it since she claims it would only be fair since Aoi packed so much for them all in it. They all soon begin to carry it while Aoi is still feeling remorse, but Ichigo and Ran keep telling her that it is okay.

A vehicle happens to pass them by and suddenly stops. A girl appears to ask the girls if they are really who they look like, and she tells the person inside that she was right after they confirm it. She mentions how she has been basing her fashions off of them since it makes her really happy and they fill her in on why they are out so far. She offers to give them a lift to the station and at first they refuse, but after she reminds them how far away it is, they are quick to reconsider and hop in.

While on their way home, Aoi voices how tired she has become. Ichigo mentions that although they weren't able to reach the hot springs it was still a lot of fun and they look outside to observe the ocean, again admiring it's beauty. Now that the sun has began to set it looks even more beautiful, but Ichigo is caught off guard when she gets a text from her father, announcing his arrival at home.

25- "Eipuriru Fūru no Yakusoku☆" ("An April Fool Promise☆")
(エイプリルフールのやくそく☆)

Airdate: April 4, 2013

Johnny-sensei begins by starting to discuss a story to the audience. Orihime interupts him though, chastising him for getting so high and mighty due to the holiday.

Taichi arrives to his family when Ichigo comments on her surprise regarding his text. He apologizes before they remind him that today is April Fools Day and Ringo brings up dinner. He is very hungry since he didn't eat on the plane, wanting his first meal back to be from home, so Ichigo and Ringo run off to prepare the meal while he plays with Raichi. At first Raichi refuses since he claims not to be a kid anymore, but he soon finds himself unable to resist and is lifted onto his dad's shoulders.

When the meal is finished everyone sits down to eat. Taichi is very impressed and comments that Ichigo's cooking has matured a lot since he was last home. When they finish, Ringo takes the dishes and he begins to fill everyone in on what sort of work he's been doing lately. He spends his time traveling the world in search of special flavors that are very rare still, and after hearing the rumors of a miraculous fruit hidden deep inside of the jungle, he headed there to find it. Only to find himself face-to-face with a Puma soon after arrival. He was able to outrun it and dove into a river, swimming to the other side when he found himself stopped by a group of crocodiles and forced to run away.

With no other option, he got up and jumped on top of each crocodile until he got to the other side of the river. Raichi is highly impressed, along with Ichigo, so he goes on to continue on to explain the miracle fruit he found. He shows the stargrapes to them and has them try it, stating that it is known to make anyone who eats it smile. There was one problem though, and that had been the villagers of the land the stargrape originates from. He had asked the village leader to take some back home to share the wonderful fruit with the rest of the world, but the leader was so angry that he made him leave instead. Taichi continued to ask for him to reconsider, but it did not happen. But when he finally revealed that he would be returning home back in Japan, he was given just this one bunch as a gift.

Ichigo then asks if they can really eat the fruit, now knowing this information, but Taichi insists that it is fine. As they are watching television, a commercial for the movie Ichigo and Otome stared in comes on. Taichi is impressed as Raichi shows him a picture of Aoi. Ichigo asks her dad how long he will be home, then mentions that she will be participating in a Live Audition. Taichi reveals that he has until after Spring Break ends, so she asks him to attend it before promising to put on the best performance that she can. It's then she gets a sudden text from Aoi, informing her of practice they set up. Ichigo is disappointed that she has to go back to the Academy so soon since she wished to be with her father longer, but he offers to come with her so that he can meet her friends. She is very happy and Raichi expresses a desire to hang out as well, so Taichi agrees to play with him again after.

At the school, Taichi meets Johnny and Orihime, where the trio of adults share casual greetings. They walk around the halls and come to the room with Statues of the top students of the school, where Taichi comments that it feels strange calling Orihime a Headmistress now, since he used to know her as a personal fan of Masquerade.

As Ichigo's friends curiously observe Taichi, he thanks the girls for letting him stay and watch them. The girls dance and practice for a while and dance with Johnny - who occasionally gave them tips and advice until the girls begin to argue. Ichigo is able to nulify the situation however and they resume training. Taichi is very happy with the team and tells the girls that despite being so different, they all work very well together. He goes on to compliment them as they come to a stop soon after.

Yurika decides to take off while explaining that she needs to recover from all of the sun exposure she got that day. At first Taichi is confused, but after the other girls explain to him her "vampire character", he is very impressed and asks to shake her hand, somewhat confusing Yurika in return. While this goes on, the girls find the idea that he may have met a real yeti to be ridiculous, so Ichigo asks her dad to tell them about the time he befriended a bear. He had run into a polar bear that was very hungry, so he fed it the food he had on hand and in return the polar bear helped him out. While Otome is impressed, the other girls find it a bit too hard to believe and Yurika simply questions this with Ran. Aoi then goes on to mention that because it is April Fools Day, she believes he might just be making up stories.

With that Taichi decides that they should be heading back home now so that he can hang out with Raichi as promises. Ichigo decides to swing by later on to find out her dad and Raichi played a bunch of Soccer earlier and got too deep into it that they probably didn't realize the time. Ringo comes by to mention the bath she prepared for her husband and son and they go off to enjoy it.

Late during the evening, Raichi and Ichigo are fast asleep. Ringo notices that Taichi is still up and when she asks about it, she sees that he is looking at a picture of the village children he took before he left. He feels badly for them because there's only one school there and it takes several hours of trekking in a dangerous forest just to reach it. This makes Ringo feel sad as Taichi mentions that he cares for the people in that village, and he's hoping that he can get the stargrapes to spread around the world and use the money to provide another school for it. But before he can say more, he suddenly gets a call to inform him that the Village Leader has began to reconsider his earlier decision. It is of last minute, but they can set up a discussion if he's willing to return now. It will only happen if the Elder can speak to him and given how quick his mood tends to change, he doesn't have very much time to decide. This news frustrates Taichi, but he has no choice but to do this.

The next morning he is busily packing as the family wishes him luck. He feels remorse over the sudden news but Ichigo tells him to just do his best and promises to do her own best too. So he takes off soon after.

At school, Aoi explains what happened to the others and Ran points out that he wont be able to make it back in time. Ichigo is very depressed by the news and is off in one of the corners looking out the window as Yurika wonders if maybe the yeti and bear stories may have been the only lies he told. But to their surprise, Ichigo suddenly perks up and wishes to get back to work with training.

At the forest, Taichi has already made it to the elders location. The Elder is highly surprised that he made it back so quickly, but Taichi claims that the promise he had to keep was what pushed him.

Back at school the girls are preparing for their concert. They all go change into their coords and appear on stage. Right before they begin, Ichigo happens to spot her father as he manages to just make it inside. With a renewed spirit, Ichigo and the others begin performing to Calendar Girl.

Upon finishing, Ichigo runs straight to her father to announce she and the others passed the audition. Raichi asks how Taichi was able to make it back so quick, and Taichi explains that the Elder scolded him for coming to the Village after making a big promise to Ichigo. He told him that he could take the Stargrapes and reminds him that honoring a family is the most important thing. This story touches Ichigo and Taichi promises that he will never break a promise from this point on, or tell a lie.

As the other girls watch from a distance, Yurika suddenly points out that they were told that he never told lies before. Which causes them to realize that the yeti and polar bear stories were true after all.

Eventually Taichi is forced to leave again. He tells Ichigo how happy he felt watching her perform and they see him off while she promises that until he returns, she will keep working to become a top idol that makes everyone happy.

26- "Sakura no Toki" ("The Cherry Blossom Season")
(さくらの季節)

Airdate: April 11, 2013

It is the day of Starlight Academy's Entrance Ceremony. Johnny is very excited while Aoi points out that she and Ichigo have been at Starlight Academy for six months now. Johnny goes on to explain that because the girls are now Second Year Students, they will be helping the brand new First Years.

After class, the girls go to meet their idol freshmen. While Aoi and Ran are quickly able to locate theirs, Ichigo is unable. She sees how happy everyone looks and starts to recall how she and Aoi felt when they first joined. She also recalls her first time with Mizuki before realizing that Mizuki is a third year now, while she is a first year. This makes her wonder if she has to be as good as Mizuki was at this point in her idoling lessons, but her mood is quick to change as a black limo appears.

A pink-haired girl steps out of it and Ichigo realizes that this was the girl she is to be helping. She goes to speak to her, but spots the girl with a boy resembling her. He appears very cranky and is against the girl attending Starlight Academy, so Ichigo decides to give them some space and just try again when the Entrance Ceremony ends.

The ceremony comes by very quickly and Johnny tries to make a big production of it until recalling Orihime is standing nearby. As everyone sits in the audience before him, Mizuki notices that many of the first years are staring at her. Ichigo shows the surprised Aoi who her partner is and she makes an attempt to reveal just who Sakura is. But they are interrupted by the speech as Johnny announces that a special Fashion Show will be held strictly for the new students. The winner will get her picture on the cover of the new students directory.

Once the ceremony ends, Ichigo attempts to locate Sakura and finds her speaking to Mizuki. She is very surprised to see them speaking casually and happens to overhear a few girls nearby mention her too. Out of nowhere, Aoi appears to tell Ichigo that valuable information she couldn't mention earlier. Mizuki had learned traditional Japanese dance from Sakura's grandfather, which is how they know each other. She also mentions the long history of Kabuki Acting in the Kitaoji family, even saying that Sakura learned it as well. She is also highly popular in media.

As Ichigo continues to watch Sakura, Mizuki takes her leave and she attempts speaking to her again. Ichigo introduces herself before mentioning that she is to be her mentor and Sakura is very excited, but her formal speech catches Ichigo off guard. It's then her brother comes by again and Aoi explains that they are twins. He scolds Sakura for agreeing to live here in the dorms, which he found out from the teachers. She knew he would be angry if she told him, which is why she kept it a secret. She goes on to say that everyone approves of her dreams, except for him. Sakon claims that he is the only one who knows Sakura the best, and that they should just turn down this idea and go back home.

Ichigo tries to ask why he wants Sakura to quit, but he tells her to mind her own business since it's between them. But Ichigo claims that she is Sakura's mentor so she deserves to know too, causing Sakon to state that Sakura is unable to live on her own. Whether she likes it or not, Sakura still needs him and he breaks out into Kitaouji Theater. Where he explains that Sakura is very fragile and has always been behind him. He's always protected her growing up and he has promised to protect her at the cost of his own life, and while Ichigo thinks this is very nice, Aoi doesn't approve.

The twins resume arguing before Sakon asks why Sakura even wants to become an idol to begin with. She is unsure of how to respond, then claims that no matter what she will become an idol. She refuses to go home, so he claims that if this is what she really wants then he will be disowning her as a sister. But this has no effect on Sakura as she will not return home. Sakon gives up at this point. Ichigo tries to convince him to stay, but Aoi holds her back. Sakura changes the subject by asking about the Fashion Show coming up and they get to training, where she shows her wonderful models walk and the coord she plans on using for the show. Ichigo feels it is perfect for her, so then they go over everything else like her Aikatsu phone and ID. Sakura then mentions how happy she felt when she first picked up the ID and phone after passing the exam, then she asks Ichigo her reasons for becoming an Idol. Ichigo reveals to her that it was after seeing Mizuki perform.

She goes on to tell Sakura that she can ask her anything, but when Sakura can't think of anything, Ichigo goes to chat with Ran and Aoi. She finds them separating from their own trainees, and later in the dorm room Ichigo watches as Aoi tries to think of some advice to give to her partner regarding which coord to wear. Ichigo comments on how good of a mentor Aoi is, then admits that while she really likes Sakura she worries that she isn't a good teacher for her, since she is not as involved as them. Aoi suggests to Ichigo that she just tries to do what she always does, but she isn't entirely sure of what that exactly is.

The next day, everyone has been training with their partners to get them ready for the fashion show the day after. After Sakura notices how tired Ichigo is, she asks if they should take a break and apologizes for taking Ichigo's time like this. Ichigo claims it to be fine before complimenting Sakura's stamina - finding out that she's been jogging once a day since she applied to Starlight Academy. She's also been spending her time singing, acting dancing, and coordination. Ichigo is very impressed and Sakura mentions that she really wants to become an idol. Ichigo once again asks why that is since Sakura never revealed why, and she is surprised to see the Kitaouji Theater.

Sakura explains that she wanted to start her idol life the moment she saw Mizuki performed during one festival. For the course of time she struggled to sleep as she couldn't get it off her mind, and one day, she made the decision that she too wished to become an idol. With that, the theater segment ends. Ichigo comments on how nice it was, when two students come by to do some training there. They discuss how they are sure Sakura will win while wondering what she will be doing for the show, unaware that she has suddenly become saddened. Sakura quickly pretends to be okay however before excusing herself to go and resume preparations. Ichigo feels bad but says nothing, instead heading to the Gazebo she usually heads to in times of concern.

There Mizuki comes by to ask why she is there. Ichigo explains her concerns with Sakura, and admits to feeling helpless since she isn't able to help her as much as other Mentors have. Mizuki has taught her so much and Ichigo really wants to help her, but she doesn't know how to. Mizuki goes on to say that even if Ichigo is struggling, she is trying very hard to be a good teacher for Sakura, so just being there will probably be enough. Ichigo begins to think about how Sakura has been separated from her brother, someone who always looked after her, and yet she is still trying. Inspired with this, Ichigo runs off after she thanks Mizuki.

Later that night, Sakura is moping in the corner of her room while her roommate listens to music. She happens to notice that Ichigo sent her a text directing her to look outside. She gets up and approaches the window to notice Ichigo and very bright lights as they turn on to light up the bright pink Sakura Trees some feet away. Ichigo tells Sakura that she isn't alone, even if she thinks she is, and she tells her that she will make tons of new friends and everyone will be there supporting her. She wants Sakura to put on a great performance and promises to always be there for her. This gesture touches Sakura deeply, while Naota, who had gotten the lights complains over Ichigo hassling him.

The following day, Ichigo checks to make sure Sakura has everything. She then leaves for the changing area and inserts each coord card, changing into her desired outfit and appearing on stage, where she dances to "Happiness on the same Earth".

In the end it turns out Ran's student had won. Sakura is a little disappointed but also very happy to have been on stage. To her surprise, her brother was watching her. He reveals that Ichigo managed to convince him to come and in this time he learned that Sakura really has grown since they were little. She did well on her own, but Sakura claims that she was never alone, not now that she has Ichigo on her side. She asks her to remain close to her so that she can turn to her for advice and guidance. To agree, Ichigo attempts to speak in a dramatic manner befitting of the Kitaoji, but Sakon and Sakura end up laughing at her.

27- "Kaimaku ☆ Furesshu Gāruzu Kappu" ("Raise the Curtain! Fresh Girls' Cup")
(開幕☆フレッシュガールズカップ)

Airdate: April 18, 2013

The Fresh Girls Cup is announced, in which students get the chance to challenge Mizuki for the title of Starlight Queen. Ran, who competed the previous year before Ichigo and Aoi transferred in, explains how remarkable Mizuki is for facing off against every single student, stating it will be tough to beat her and all of their rivals. This year, Mizuki throws in a new rule that performers will have to perform three special appeals on demand or otherwise fail, pushing the bar exceptionally high. Ichigo and the others soon start training intensely for the cup, though Ichigo feels there is something they are missing. After receiving a call from Raichi, she comes to understand the most important thing; to have fun and appeal to their fans. On the day of the cup, Ichigo, Aoi, Ran, Otome, Yurika and Sakura are grouped together to face Mizuki, though only Ichigo, Aoi and Ran manage to keep up with the special appeals until the end and qualify for the semifinals.

28- "Mizuki to Suppon" ("Different as the Moon and a Turtle")
(美月とスッポン)

Airdate: April 25, 2013

Ichigo, Aoi and Ran find themselves unable to sleep before the semi-finals and decide to have a sleepover in Ichigo's room. Reading Mizuki's new magazine for research, they learn she has started her own brand, Love Queen, designed specifically for top idols. As the girls take the magazine's advice of undergoing individual training catered to their needs, Naoto helps Ichigo realise the best way for her to train; to act instead of think. After the semi-finals come to an end, only Ichigo makes it to the final, but Aoi and Ran continue to support her despite their losses. Before the final begins, Mizuki tells Ichigo that she is using the Cup to search for a worthy partner, urging Ichigo to give it everything she's got, although she ends up in second place in the end. Later that night, Mizuki hints to Ichigo that the gap between them may be smaller than she thinks.

29- "Aidoru☆Tīchā" ("Idol Teachers")
(アイドル☆テｨーチャー)

Airdate: May 2, 2013

The trio sit outside while discussing the recent passing of the Fresh Girls Cup and how they were all able to make it to the semi-finals. They feel as though they all have a far distance to go though when Naoto comes over to ask them why they're spacing out. They explain the situation and he mentions that some girls had requested their presence in the school.

As the girls walk down the hallway they mention how strange it feels to be second year students now. A strange girl watches them from a corner nearby until Aoi happens to spot her. The girl had spotted a leaf that was stuck in her hair and makes an attempt to speak to Aoi to tell her, but she hides instead when Aoi happens to see her once more. She tries to grab the leaf when Aoi isn't looking, but she happens to notice and they confront the girl to ask her what she was doing. The girl, Akane, mentions a leaf had been stuck to Aoi's hair and Ran pulls it out. She introduces herself to them and runs off.

Before the girls can think much of the encounter, Johnny appears with news but he refuses to tell them until they get to the Headmistress' office. Orihime informs the girls that they will become teachers for the underclassmen. She explains how this will be a good experience for them, but it is entirely up to each girl over what she teaches. After they leave she mentions how inspiring the trio is, even if none of them has what it takes to surpass Mizuki. They have all matured since they started and she believes Aoi may get the most experience from this, since she's good at knowledgeable things.

During lunch, Ichigo panics over the idea of teaching. Ran points out that they have learned a lot from both Mizuki and Ema though, while Ichigo goes on to picture herself as a teacher. Which goes well, until she trips on her heel and hits her head on the desk. Due to this, Ichigo gets up and goes around to try to find someone who can give her advice, with the group unaware that they are being watched.

Later, in the dorm room, Ichigo expresses concern because none of them have any sort of idea. Ran suggests that they simply ask the first years what they would like to learn, so they go to ask Sakura. She claims not to need anything specific however, since she's fine just by using the trio as good examples; because they inspire her to keep working on improvement.

They try to find someone who would embody the "first-year" type better and go to Akane. They apologize for bothering her and explain what they will be doing before Aoi asks if there is anything she and her friends would like to learn from them. Akane begins to grow excited just knowing this, but she doesn't know anything about the world of Idols yet, so she would be happy learning anything.

The girls return to the dormitory where Aoi comments that they are left with no answers. She has collected tons of Idol information over the years, but now that she's become one, she realizes there is actually a difference between theory and practice. She feels that she may be able to teach the girls this, which causes Ichigo and Ran become inspired for their own ideas. They can also share their personal experiences with the new students.

With that, Ichigo starts to go over the items she uses during auditions and Aoi happens to spot the rice scoop. She claims that it is highly important and she considers it to be her personal lucky charm. Aoi then asks Ran about her own teachings, and Ran mentions that she will just let the students know that they can ask her any sort of question and go from there. The girls are convinced this will work since she has had twice as much experience as them, and Ichigo claims that Ran is much nicer then she looks. But this offends Ran until Ichigo clarifies that she just meant how difficult it was to originally approach Ran - even though she pretty much clung to her anyway. Aoi decides that she will go on to speak about the work she has done as an Actor, and go over her experience and feelings using the life log she has made for herself. Ichigo tries to sneak a peak inside of it, but Aoi refuses.

Their first day as teachers soon approaches. Ichigo is very nervous out of fear she will mess up and be mocked. They watch as Ran heads into the classroom first for her turn and the girls wildly start to cheer for her. She explains her plans of having them ask her anything, but this ends up being difficult since there are too many students who all have a question. She tiredly exits the room after her turn ends and she says nothing regarding it before sending Ichigo inside.

Ichigo walks inside with her rice scoop in hand, which confuses many girls. She winds up tripping, just as she feared, but she is able to catch herself and everyone cheers. She is very perky upon her return to Aoi and Ran, much to their surprise as she reveals that she only sang for everyone before ending her turn. They had all asked her very nicely, so she couldn't just say no to the request.

Neither girl is surprised by the turn of events and Aoi steps into the room for her turn. She is very serious, but the girls find her glasses she chose to be cute, instead. She begins with an uplifting speech before mentioning how important an idols appearance can be during an Audition. Unknown to the trio, Orihime and Johnny happen to be watching from her office.

Once Aoi's turn ends, she reunites with Ichigo and Ran. She mentions that everyone had paid her attention and once she finished, many of the girls said they wished to become idols just like her. Even though they felt a bit down after Mizuki's performance the other day, now isn't the time for that. The trio are surprised when Orihime and Johnny suddenly arrive with a special present for them: a set of Spring based coords. Orihime tells the girls to go out and put on a great performance, so they change and perform to "Idol Activity!".

After the concert, the girls seem to be feeling a lot better. They happen to hear someone knock on the door nearby and Akane comes in to compliment the events that took place today. She thanks them for teaching the girls so much before starting to cry, explaining that she worried every day over whether or not she had what it took to be an Idol. But once she heard their lessons and watched them perform, she lost her lingering concerns and has become very inspired. She calls Aoi her teacher, even if she does not need to teach her anymore and takes off.

Touched by such gesture, Aoi points out that after today they will probably have a lot more students come by to learn from them. So with this, they need to make sure they always do their best.

30- "Magokoro no Kōru ando Resuponsu" ("Cordial Call & Response")
(真心のコール＆レスポンス)

Airdate: May 9, 2013

In class, Johnny announces a big Audition coming up and mentions that whoever passes it will receive the Mastery of Communication, important for any idol. The audition will be done in teams, and once class ends Ran and Aoi begin to explain what a response is by comparing it to text messages. Ran also points out that Ichigo had done this in class when Johnny called out to them, and in a performance, this happens when the audience and idol talk to each other, back and fourth.

The girls are approached by Otome and Yurika and they decide to form a group together. They head outside to train by running laps, but stop after a while to discuss the song they should perform. Sakura approaches the girls to wish them good luck before revealing that she wont be entering since she isn't sure she's ready yet. Otome mentions that first years are allowed, and Ichigo invites Sakura to join them. Sakura still doesn't think it is right though, since she is both a first year, and she does not have any Premium Cards. To help her, Ichigo explains how one can obtain their premium outfit, but Sakura fears she would only be a burden to their training.

Everyone seems to be fine with this though, and because she already has so much talent, Ran believes they might be able to learn from her also. The girls decide to pick a brand for Sakura by using their Aikatsu phones and one by one, they all talk about the brands they wish to see her in. But Sakura attempts to tell them about her favorite brand, but she is interrupted by Aoi after she spots a magazine with the Kitaoji family in it. She goes over the interview that Sakura was in to see that she likes Aurora Fantasy. So with this information, Sakura shows them the cards she has for the brand. While Aoi is describing the brand, Sakura goes on to reveal to them a picture book wrote by the top designers, Green Grass.

The book was wrote when she was little and she brought it with her. The brand Aurora Fantasy is very mysterious but Ichigo believes they will be able to find something, despite Sakura's concern that she may not fit the brands style. She is sure that she wouldn't be allowed a premium dress, but even then she refuses to wear anything else, which is why she can't participate with them. As Ichigo tries to talk to her, Sakura wishes them luck again before dropping the subject.

The remaining group continue to discuss the situation as Yurika points out that they probably wouldn't be able to find anything out unless they ask Sakura directly. But Aoi is concerned that she may have done something to upset Sakura, while Otome interrupts and announces her plans to pay Makoto a visit for unknown reasons. So they decide to do a little more digging in hopes of figuring out something in the mean time.

Back at the Dormitory, Ichigo still feels pretty bad for Sakura since something like this is holding her back. Ran suggests that maybe none of them should use Premiums, since it may make her reconsider, but she decides for now to focus on figuring out a rehearsal schedule and sends it to everyone. In this time, Yurika is also given the task of dividing the lyrics and preparing the stage Choreography. They can all practice the song and dance by themselves since they know it so well, but Aoi wants to do more research involving Green Grass. With this in mind, Ichigo decides to go and ask Sakura once more.

Meanwhile, Orihime and Johnny also happen to be discussing Sakura. He asks if he should call Aurora Fantasy's top designer, but Orihime tells him to let the students do it instead.

In her own room, Sakura reads over a message she has gotten from someone, then gets a call from Sakon. She tells him that she did not want him to call her and he asks if something happened, since this is unlike her. Sakura explains that while everyone has been worried for her, she's been rude and disrespectful. Sakon suggests that she should just be honest with her feelings and tell them, because they don't know her like she does. He then decides to go to let Sakura do some thinking.

Ichigo and Aoi continue to do more research but are unable to locate anything. Aoi points out that Green Grass may not like attention from the media, or be antisocial. Ichigo feels saddened about this and they recall how Sakura seemed to want to talk to them, but she was unable to say anything.

The following day, Ichigo meets with Sakura and she is quick to apologize for how she behaved. Ichigo holds up the picture book and comments on how wonderful it is before she asks why Sakura feels as though Aurora Fantasy wouldn't fit her. Sakura attempts not to say anything, but when she recalls what Sakon told her, she breaks into Kitaouji theater. When she was little and Sakon began to train, she was always lonely and took comfort in the books by Green Grass. In a way the picture books had become her home, and although she became an idol and escaped from such a life, in the end she remains a kabuki actor. She often sent Green Grass letters growing up but they have never responded to them, so she has felt that she was simply not good enough for the brand.

Ichigo makes an attempt to argue against this by telling Sakura how much effort she and Aoi put into trying to find any sort of clue about Green Grass, and this is why Sakura can't give up now. Aoi suddenly runs by to inform them that she has managed to get a location and shows them an interview with Makoto from Happy Rainbow. He is close friends with Green Grass and sometimes will meet up with them to discuss fashion while they enjoy some sweets.

This news makes the girls wonder if this was why Otome left so suddenly the day before and they give her a call. Otome informs Sakura that she had something to tell her, then she starts to yell that she wont let herself lose to the amount of love Sakura has for Aurora Fantasy. Otome felt as though she had to tell Makoto how much she loves Happy Rainbow after hearing Sakura speak the previous day, then she demanded a brand new Premium Dress from him in hopes of spreading her love to everyone. Makoto claims he had been watching Otome and has prepared her a new coord, so now it is Sakura's turn.

Sakura asks Otome to ask Makoto about meeting with Green Grass and the two girls head out to the location of where they are. Sakura has kept valuable information in order to use this for aid later on, and because Green Grass happens to be shy, she wants to go inside alone. She also needs to keep what she sees a secret, although the girls worry over letting her go in alone.

Sakura finds herself in a giant flowery building, almost like a maze. While wandering around she happens to spot two twin adult women approaching her. She recognizes them as Green Grass and begins to follow them as they explain to her why they have not responded back to her letters. They have great drawing skills but not the best handwriting skills, which is why they have been awaiting her arrival, so that they could present to her the special Aurora Fantasy dress they made. Sakura takes the cards and realizes that Green Grass has always been there supporting her, she's just never realized this. The twins give her a hug and she thanks them before returning outside with the cards.

The girls head to school and share a cheer with each other before they change into their outfits and get on stage to perform to "Growing for a Dream". During it, the girls work on gaining their Master of Communications.

After the performance, Mizuki leaves while commenting on how Ichigo has been raising another rival while Orihime and Johnny congratulate the girls on their performance and receiving their Mastery of Communications. As Ichigo reads over what it means, the episode draws to an end.