Chapter Text
Takamina's decision was practically the talk of the planet.
"It's the first graduation concert this whole year!"
"Ticket prices have gone through the roof!"
"Are there even seats left?!"
"Does she have a successor already? Do you think Yuihan will take over as captain?"
"Auuuugh, I'm so upset!!!"
Akibastar was teeming with gossip and chatter, all of its residents both excited and anguished over the graduation of Minami Takahashi the 5th.
"E-eh?! Takamina's graduation concert?!"
Kanata snatched the set list out of Ushiyama-sensei's hands, making sure what she was reading was correct. Surely enough, no matter how many times she looked from screen to screen, the words remained the same.
"B-but... Takamina... graduating?"
"We're all very surprised," Tsubasa mused, entering the room on her clacking heels just the same as she had for so long, "Takamina's choice is her own. We're sad to see her go... but I'm certain her successor will turn up rather quickly. After all, 00 needs its captain."
Makoto looked a little surprised as Tsubasa turned and left, "Whaa? Do you think they already have a successor for Takamina picked out...?"
"It's possible, although traditionally if no Minami Takahashi is present, captain duties would fall to Yui Yokoyama. That would be... Yuihan the 7.5th right now, yes?" Suzuko answered the nervous girl, pulling out her phone to check.
"I bet that Takamina's successor is my big sis!" Sonata grinned, latching herself to Kanata's waist.
"E-eh, Sonata?! What's gotten into you? There's no way..." Kanata stuttered out. She wasn't sure if she was trying to act modest or if she had really convinced herself she would never become a successor. After all...
'Promise to become a successor before Christmas this year; that can be your gift to me!'
"Takamina, have you been sleeping? You seem to be practicing non-stop... you should really get some rest for your concert, you don't want to be all out of energy when you need it the most."
The older idol looked up from where she sat in the desolate practice room to see the youngest successor coming toward her, carrying a plate of food.
"Acchan...? I'm fine, really, I just-"
"I noticed that you skipped dinner. I'm a little worried about you! Practice is important, but you need your health too," the pink haired girl smiled, bending down and holding out the plate to her senior, "Chef Papa made your favorite, too. Please eat this and get a good rest tonight. After all, the big day is tomorrow!"
"...Yes... thank you, Acchan."
The soon-to-be graduate took the plate from her friend, who then smiled and exited the room calling for and chasing down the Center Nova.
She ate her meal surprisingly quick; she was rather starved, considering she hadn't left the practice room since lunch ended. She smiled over her empty dishes, reminiscing on her years. It would be an unfamiliar world out there without a name... but she felt she was prepared for it.
"I'll have to get used to being called Shiori again... I don't think anyone's called me that in six years."
"Takamina, there you are!"
Swinging her head around, she happened upon the 75th generation trainee racing toward her.
"Kanata...?"
The younger girl smiled, "It's late and you probably should get some rest for tomorrow, you know. I just wanted to wish you luck for the show! I made sure the trainees are all in tip-top shape too, so no one's gonna be slacking off, and I practiced twice as much as usual too!"
Takamina stood up and put her hand on Kanata's shoulder, "You're a great captain, Kanata. I'm sure your hard work will pay off soon. I'm going to head off to bed- you rest too now, Kanata. Tomorrow's a big day, after all."
She left the room, a slightly confused Kanata trailing a few seconds behind.