Episode 132 - The Burning Passionate Jalapeño!

The Burning Passionate Jalapeño! (灼熱の情熱ハラペーニョ!) is the 132nd episode of Aikatsu! TV anime series and the 31th episode of its "3rd Season". The episode aired on May 7, 2015.

Story
''Sumire's newly formed unit has influenced Juri Kurebayashi to start her journey to search for her unit partner. Affected by the passion of Juri, Akari and the crew decide to help her, and during the choosing event, even though there are many "voices" that are able to soar and reach Juri, she is not satisfied. Suddenly, Akari has something in mind...''

Summary
One day, Madoka, Akari, and Hinaki are checking out the recent idol rankings to see that Dancing Diva is on top of the chart again. They have held high rankings since they formed their unit, and Hinaki brings up that Juri has been spending time lately in search of her own partner. The girls look up in time to find Juri asking another girl if she would like to join her, but the girl -while amazed by Juri's coolness- turns her down as she wants to focus on modeling. She gives Juri her vote of confidence though.

In the Cafeteria, the girls catch up with Juri by asking her who else she's asked, and she brings up a girl named Shizuka. She thought that because of their opposite personalties they would make an interesting duo, and while Shizuka had genuine interest, she didn't think her abilities measured up to Juri's and turned her down. Juri insisted it didn't matter, but Shizuka also isn't sure what type of idol she was yet and is using this time to study until she figures it out. Such reasoning deeply resonated with Juri and she respects her decision -the other girls voicing agreement- but Juri really wants to make a unit. She explains being inspired by watching Sumire and Rin, and she wants to form a tight bond with someone that she can be with for more than just one job. She wants something fresh and unexpected, comparing the bond she wants to the new chocolate-covered potato chips they are snacking on. These words inspire Hinaki and she promises to help Juri find the best partner, along with Akari and Madoka.

With that the girls begin their search. Juri followed her intuition to approach anyone who caught her interest, but the first girl is unable to understand her request, saying that she prefers cool songs and does not really get her "chocolate potato chip" theory. The girls watch from the distance as Juri makes a vow to become more intense. She tries to show everyone her dream of being in a unit but while nobody else seems to understand, she manages to catch their eye. Hinaki approaches and offers to translate what Juri is saying, and she explains the Chocolate Potato Chip. While everyone promises to support Juri, Madoka and Akari observe them from a distance and remark on how perfect Juri and Hinaki are together.

Outside, Hinaki tries to help Juri as she goes around trying to get someone's attention while Akari and Madoka pass out fliers. They overhear plenty of girls chatting with Juri and how they wish her well, then they overhear some girls who would like to try out for the position, but are unsure they can keep up with Juri. Then they decide not to bother trying.

In the cafeteria when they reunite, Akari and Madoka bring this up, causing her to become disappointed. She's happy they are excited for her future unit, but she's not been able to click with anyone yet. Hinaki wishes her luck and Akari brings up a hypothetical question by asking Juri which of the three of them would she choose if she had to. Juri confesses that she never gave it any thought, and Akari suggests she tries to choose one of them, starting by telling her to imagine what a unit with Hinaki would be like. She thinks this can help Juri determine who would befit her as a partner, and Juri tells them of her vision. Hinaki seems to approve of this and as they chat, Madoka and Akari reveal their belief that they would be suitable unit partners.

Initially, Juri and Hinaki seem surprised until they explain their reasoning. Juri admits that she feels very comfortable around Hinaki, with Hinaki agreeing, but concerned they won't be "fresh" as long-time friends. Akari doesn't think this is true, comparing Juri's passion is like the salty-ness of a potato chip, while Hinaki is the chocolate sweetness. It fits them wonderfully to create a unique, brand new flavor. The grls agree and decide that because of their long time friendship, a fresh and new unit didn't actually seem all that possible. But now, they feel very happy about this and know that it was still unexpected, so they call each others partners and make it official.

That evening, Sumire returns to find Rin in their hotel room. She reveals Juri and Hinaki's plans to become a unit and Sumire mentions that she already found out. They never expected that, but they are happy anyway and decide that they can't just slow down now that they are catching up. Orihime and Johnny-sensei also discuss how wonderful the news is, bringing up that the girls have asked to hold a concert and have filled out the necessities to get the okay.

With the time before then, Juri and Hinaki practice their dance and exercise. To their surprise, they find a box of the chocolate-covered chips left by Madoka and Akari, and happily open it to enjoy the snack while discussing their unit name. Juri is hung up over these chips and wishes they could use it somehow, but Hinaki admits that she can't think of anything. But after a moment a name seems to come to them.

On the day of their concert the girls stand backstage as they anxiously prepare for it to start. Juri admits to being nervous, but Hinaki tells her that they will do good because she is standing beside her. They step out to reveal their name of Passionate Jalapeño and after sharing some words they head out to the changing area and choose their coords. They reappear on stage and perform "Poppin' Bubbles".

After the performance the girls return to the stage, where the crowd cheers them on in admiration. As they exchange more words over their success and how happy they are, Akari and Madoka compliment them.

Characters

 * Juri Kurebayashi
 * Hinaki Shinjō
 * Akari Ōzora
 * Sumire Hikami
 * Rin Kurosawa
 * Madoka Amahane

Trivia

 * This episode marks the debut of Juri's and Hinaki's new unit, Passionate✮Jalapeño.