Episode 53 - Lalala☆★Rival

Lalala☆★Rival (ラララ☆★ライバル) is the 53rd episode of the Aikatsu! TV Anime series and the 3rd episode of it's "Second Season" (２年目), this episode was aired on October 17, 2013.

The scenario was written by Natsuko Takahashi and Nobuhiro Kondō did the storyboard. Yasuhiro Minami directed the episode while the animation directed by Hiromi Suzuki, Tomoko Tanaka, Kazuya Saitō, and Yumi Nakamura.

Synopsis
''After their tied performance, the girls from both schools try to learn more about each other. As Seira Otoshiro and Kī Saegusa search more information about what makes Ichigo tick, Ichigo goes to the source to learn more about her.''

Summary
Ichigo, Aoi, and Ran are re-watching Seira's performance as they chat about her. They remark that despite being so new she is already very popular and makes everything she does seem so effortless. She will be a tough rival. As this is going on, Seira and Ki are out in town doing the same thing- watching the performance Ichigo put on. They make their way back to school and Seira notices how perky Ki appears to be that day as she decides to do some research on Ichigo. She is surprised to see how much Ichigo has achieved, but Seira isn't, bringing up how easily she was able to perform the Constellation Appeal, and during her first performance she was able to do a Special Appeal despite having no knowledge of them.

As Ki curiously wonders why Ichigo left for America for the past-year, she is disappointed when her Computer is unable to give them any information. It found a bunch of articles but it was too difficult to determine what was truth in them- such as Ichigo jumped through a hoop at a circus, acted as the star on top of a Christmas Tree, and rode on an Orca. Seira considers this useless and asks if Ichigo spent the entire year goofing off, so Ki suggests they try to find more information before making any assumptions. She agrees and decides to play Ichigo's home a visit while Ki remains back; but not before providing an ear piece for communication.

Meanwhile, at Nandemo Bento, Ichigo is busy eating a large meal with her brother and mom. They express concern but she claims that she can't help it- since it's been a whole year since she's last had her mothers cooking. Ringo remarks on how mature Ichigo has become in this time, while Raichi fills her in on a brand new Cafe that popped up nearby. Ichigo decides to check it out after Raichi brings up the scent of an Idol from there.

After eating their meal they head over, where Raichi detects the scent from before. A woman comes by to bring them their ordered parfaits and Ichigo comments on how nice the woman sounds. The woman flatters Ichigo by bringing up being aware of her already, as her younger daughter is a fan of her. They bring the girl out, who is introduced as Noel, and goes on to mention knowing Raichi from school. They are surprised to learn that the family who runs the Cafe is actually Seira's. Knowing this, they begin to ask questions and Noel has no problem filling them in on details. She starts by describing how talented she is with instruments and absolute pitch; meaning she can determine what note a sound is just by hearing it once. Knowing so much, Ichigo and Raichi comment that Noel must really love her sister.

As this is going on, Seira has arrived to the Hoshimiya household. She heads inside and decides to ask for a bento while making casual conversation in regards to Ichigo. She is surprised after Ringo mentions knowing her already, having seen her performance, but she is happy as she seats herself nearby to wait. Ringo apologizes over the fact Ichigo isn't there, and offers soup to Seira to go with her meal. As she eats, Seira comments on the rice choice and Ringo explains how Ichigo eats a lot of it and is able to tell which type it is at this point. Seira expresses amazement to see that it matches her absolute pitch, and she begins to wonder if she should take up Absolute Taste as well.

Two older women suddenly walk in and mention that they heard Ichigo has come along. They were hoping to have Ichigo sign an autograph but are disappointed to learn that she had stepped out for a bit, although one of the women recognizes Seira and seems to feel better.

Meanwhile, back at the Otoshiro household Ichigo has finished an autograph for Noel when Raichi mentions that he would like one from Seira some day. Noel isn't sure if she has one just yet though, going on to bring up how shy Seira actually is. Ichigo is sure she has given an autograph before though- and as it turns out she is right, when Seira gives one to the older woman.

They soon leave and Ringo promises to tell Ichigo when she returns. Seira thanks her before leaving, resuming her discussion with Ki as she makes her way back to Dream Academy. She has learned a lot about Ichigo and she realizes that she may be a force to be reckoned with; but she is looking forward to it.

At the Hoshimiya home, Raichi and Ichigo are disappointed that they had missed Seira. When Ringo informs her Seira wishes to learn Absolute Taste like she has, Ichigo decides she should learn Absolute Pitch as well- although Raichi claims it will probably be too hard.

That night, Ichigo reveals everything that she learned to Aoi and Ran. She wants to sing with Seira some day and she tells Aoi and Ran that they have to keep trying their best too.

The next morning, Ichigo is called into Orihime's office so that she can discuss the upcoming Swing Idol Live, being held at Dream Academy. Ichigo was asked to participate, and she instantly agrees upon learning that Seira was entering. Orihime mentions that she will have to wear the Swing Rock Coord though, and asks if this is okay, but Ichigo assures her that it will be fine.

During the day of the Live, the trio of girls run into each other. Seira and Ki welcome her to Dream Academy, but remain curious after Ichigo reveals she had paid it a visit a few days prior. Rather then elaborate she changes the subject by mentioning how happy she is to see them again, and is delighted when they claim to feel the same way. It's then a man comes by to ask them what kind of performance they plan to put on that day; and to their surprise, they both answer that they want to bring smiles to the faces of their audience.

A while later, Noel happens to find Ichigo practicing for her performance. She came to cheer her on, and Ichigo asks if she already paid Seira a visit. However, Noel admits that she hasn't since she assumed Seira is too busy. With that she asks to hang out with Ichigo for a bit, and she answers "udon to nori", which sounds a lot like the English words "don't worry". This makes Noel laugh and she mentions that being with Ichigo makes her smile as much as hearing Seira sing. When she was younger she was sick all the time, and fairly frail. But whenever she felt sad Seira would cheer her up.

As they talk and Ichigo continues to make her laugh, they remain unaware that Seira has been standing by the door watching. Ichigo leaves the room to find Seira nearby, and Seira thanks her for making Noel smile the way she did. Ichigo informs her of what Noel said and Seira admits that Noel has only made a true smile seeing Ichigo perform on TV. She loves how Ichigo can sing with all of her heart, even when she falls down. But despite these heartfelt words, she does not intend on losing.

With that, Seira and Ichigo change into their Swing Rock coords and get onto stage to perform the rock variant of "Idol Activity!".

After the performance the announcer reveals that the winner is Seira. Ichigo is disappointed, but she is in good spirits regardless. She asks Seira if she had as much fun as she did, surprising Ki and Seira, and causing her to ask if she actually won- since it doesn't feel like a real victory. Ichigo's voice was much better then her own, and shined brighter then hers.

Seeing the concern Seira has, Ki quickly steps in and promises to do much better and produce Seira straight to the top.

That night Aoi and Ran congratulate Ichigo for trying her best. They knew it would be hard to beat Seira at her own game- but seeing as Ichigo remains obliviously happy over how much fun she had, they begin to laugh.

Character Appearances

 * Ichigo Hoshimiya
 * Seira Otoshiro
 * Ki Saegusa
 * Aoi Kiriya
 * Ran Shibuki
 * Ringo Hoshimiya
 * Raichi Hoshimiya
 * Sōta Otoshiro
 * Takako Otoshiro
 * Noeru Otoshiro
 * Orihime Mitsuishi
 * Johnny Bepp

Trivia

 * Starting this episode, the cards scene has changed the background music, which previously was Aikatsu! Music!! 01 track 32, where the music is mainly remixed massively.
 * This was also the first episode in which a Constellation Fever was seen.

Major Events

 * Ichigo loses against Seira in their head to head performance duel.

Animation Trivia

 * From this episode onward, the opening changed, where Otome's hair become slightly more detailed for few frames.