Do you think he convinced Shinonome to come?

It'll be fine. He practiced tons so that he'd sound

natural when he asked him for help, all for this surprise.

Exactly. Let's have faith and wait for them.

With this many people gathered,

it's sure to be a wonderful celebration.

Everyone! Once Toya arrives with Akito,

we'll cheer on the count of three.

Hm? MEIKO and the others?

This must be some big equipment.

Are you all ready?

Sorry for the wait. Let's do it!

Huh? Wait, what do you—

One, two...

One, two...

Happy birthday, Akito!

Happy birthday, Shinonome!

Happy birthday, Akito!

Happy birthday, Shinonome!

Happy birthday, Akito!

Happy birthday, Shinonome!

Happy birthday, Akito!

Happy birthday, Shinonome!

Wait, you mean...

Hooray! Our surprise was a success!

Great job, Aoyagi!

Thank you all for playing your part!

Ah, I see how it is.

So all that talk of equipment...

Sorry. It was just an excuse to get you here.

Even someone as sharp as you wouldn't expect

a surprise celebration here, of all places.

Yeah, you can say that again.

Why even surprise me anyway?

Aren't we having a party after this?

That's one thing, and this is another.

You're my partner, and you only get one birthday a year.

Is it so strange I want to make it special?

That's why? Geez...

Thanks to you all for coming too.

Maybe you already know, but I've been feeling

a bit burnt out since my dream came true.

I was pretty uncool there for a while...

But my eyes are open again now.

There are some unbelievable singers out there.

Standing between me and the top of the world.

So I don't have time to sit around

feeling sorry for myself!

Hey, hang on there. Don't forget about us!

I know. Even though we're teammates,

we're also still rivals.

Hey, let's sing something.

I was practicing before, but I still need more.

Okay!

Of course!

Okay!

Of course!

Okay!

Of course!

Okay!

Of course!

Here we go!

Kashika!