Teenagers Aqua and Ruby attend a performing arts high school where they’re reunited with “former child acting prodigy” Kana Arima. Aqua joins Kana in a TV drama to search for clues to Ai's murder. Meanwhile, Ruby’s idol aspirations fail as Aqua subverts her auditions out of fear for her safety. But Ruby vows to be an idol just like her mom. (c) Aka Akasaka × Mengo Yokoyari / SHUEISHA, TOEI

Aqua goes on a romance reality show to probe its producer Kaburagi for info about Ai. When an on-set incident causes a co-star, Akane Kurokawa, to be hazed by the public, Aqua grows furious with the showrunners for allowing the controversy to rage, and quells the flames by revealing the true nature of the "reality show." (c) Aka Akasaka × Mengo Yokoyari / SHUEISHA, TOEI

The TV version of hit comic Tokyo Blade snags when its author, Abiko Samejima, insists on rewriting the script. Aqua’s PTSD is triggered when emoting on set as the director demands. B-Komachi performs at the Japan Idol Fest where Mem-cho and Ruby sparkle, but Kana feels left out until she sees a fan waving a white lightstick: her color. (c) Aka Akasaka × Mengo Yokoyari / SHUEISHA, TOEI

After Aqua’s collapse, Akane deduces that Aqua and Ruby's real mother must be Ai, and surmises Aqua’s purpose. Tokyo Blade ratings plummet until Abiko finally collaborates with the producer and teleplay writer, Goa. Aqua continues to collect DNA samples from actors he meets until he discovers a certain key person to be his half-brother. (c) Aka Akasaka × Mengo Yokoyari / SHUEISHA, TOEI