Aikatsu Start!

Season 2 episode 12

The scene opens in the Saku Academy Auditorium. The atmosphere is tense as the students prepare for an important performance evaluation. The school has brought in a special judge, but no one knows who she is. All they’ve been told is that this particular judge is known for being extremely strict.

Rotasu: (nervously adjusting her outfit) I heard this judge is way harsher than any of our teachers… I hope we’re ready for this.

Aika: (sighing) I don’t know, Rotasu. I’ve been working on this design for weeks, but what if she doesn’t like it? What if she thinks it’s too plain?

Seiko: (confidently) Don’t worry! Just perform with confidence. You can’t let a little criticism break you down, right?

Miho: (whining) Ugh, why do we even have to be judged? I’m only 10 and already doing better than some of the older students! What if she says I’m too young?

Sayo: (mocking) Well, maybe she’ll just confirm what I’ve been saying all along—some kids just don’t belong here, Miho.

Miho: (pouting) I belong here!

Aika: (cutting in) Enough! Let’s all just focus on our own performances.

The lights in the auditorium dim as the students get into position for the performances. Suddenly, a spotlight focuses on the judge’s seat. A figure walks in, her long purple hair covering her left eye, casting a mysterious shadow over her face.

Kabe: (whispering) Is that… the judge?

The judge, with an icy demeanor, takes her seat at the front, crossing her legs and glancing at the performers with a look of disdain.

Yuka: (coldly) I am Yuka Kigami. I don’t care who you are or how long you’ve been doing this. I’m here to see if you have what it takes to be great. And let me tell you—greatness is rare. Most of you won’t impress me. So, let’s get this over with.

Her voice sends a chill down everyone’s spine. The girls exchange uneasy glances.

Yuka: (motioning impatiently) First group, start your performance.

First Performance:

Flora steps forward first, accompanied by Rotasu, Aika, and Miho. They are performing a new idol song they’ve been practicing for weeks.

Flora (singing): “Shining like stars, we’ll make our own way, brighter than the morning’s first ray…”

They perform a perfectly choreographed dance, their voices harmonizing beautifully. The stage lights reflect off their sparkling outfits, which Aika had designed herself.

Yuka: (interrupting halfway) Stop.

The music halts abruptly, and the girls freeze mid-dance, their hearts racing.

Yuka: (sighing dramatically) Is this supposed to be impressive? You’re offbeat, your vocals are weak, and this choreography? Boring. I’ve seen amateur idols in the street perform better than this.

Rotasu: (flustered) W-What do you mean? We’ve been practicing really hard...

Yuka: (narrowing her visible eye) Hard work doesn’t guarantee talent. What you lack is presence. None of you stand out. Mediocrity doesn’t cut it in this world. Next.

The girls walk off stage, devastated, as Yuka barely spares them another glance. Backstage, they huddle together.

Aika: (holding back tears) I knew she’d hate it… I knew it…

Rotasu: (trying to stay positive) Maybe she’s just trying to push us to be better…

Seiko: (gritting her teeth) Or she just enjoys being cruel.

Second Performance:

The next group takes the stage, including Sayo. She smirks as she begins her energetic pop performance, clearly confident in her abilities.

Sayo (singing): “With every step, I’ll reach the sky, watch me soar, I’ll never say goodbye…”

Her dance is lively, full of energy, and her voice is perfectly in tune. As she finishes, she strikes a triumphant pose.

Yuka: (leaning forward slightly) Hmm. Better.

Sayo: (smug) Thank you, Yuka. I—

Yuka: (cutting her off) But still not good enough. You have energy, but that’s about it. No depth to your performance. Your movements are robotic, not genuine. It feels like you’re just following a script. Next.

Sayo’s face drops as she walks off stage, unable to believe she was criticized despite her best effort.

Final Confrontation:

Backstage, the idols are gathered, all deflated by Yuka's harsh words. Some of them are teary-eyed, while others are fuming with frustration. Suddenly, Yuka steps into the backstage area, surveying the group.

Yuka: (crossing her arms) You all looked so full of hope before you went on stage. Now look at you. Broken already?

Rotasu: (stepping forward) Why are you so cruel to us? We’re trying our best… why can’t you see that?

Yuka: (with a slight smirk) Best? You think I don’t know what trying your best looks like? I’ve seen idols rise and fall. Trying your best isn’t enough. This industry doesn’t reward effort, it rewards results. You either shine or you’re forgotten.

Miho: (teary-eyed) But that’s not fair!

Yuka: (coldly) Life isn’t fair. The sooner you accept that, the better.

Yuka turns to leave, but Rotasu, filled with determination, speaks up.

Rotasu: (voice shaking but firm) You don’t know us. We’ll prove you wrong. We’ll work harder and come back stronger.

Yuka: (pausing) I’d like to see you try. Maybe one day, you’ll surprise me. But until then, don’t expect any praise.

She walks away, leaving the idols to reflect on her harsh words. The episode ends with the girls vowing to improve and prove Yuka wrong, determined to rise to the challenge.