Episode 171 - Best Friend

Best Friend (ベストフレンド) is the 171st episode of Aikatsu! TV anime series and the 19th episode of its "4th Season". The episode aired on February 11, 2016.

Story
''Rin and Madoka have been together since they first came to Starlight. But recently, the two of them are working so hard towards the Starlight Queen Cup and managing their daily schedules at the same time, they only pass by each other. Madoka, who wants to perform a live with Rin again makes a reservation for the live house by herself...!?''

Summary
Rin grabs her items for the day and heads off just as Madoka is returning home. Madoka remarks that once more they will be missing each other, then wishes Rin luck before revealing she reserved a concert hall for the two of them. She explains that because they're so busy, she was hoping to have something with her, just the two of them again. Rin agrees with the idea and takes off.

Later when Rin returns home that night, she finds Madoka already changed. However, she is surprised when Madoka reveals the mochi anmistu she grabbed from the recommended sweets shop while on her way home. She waited until Rin returned to try it out, and together they eat while chatting, and Rin asks if she reserved the concert hall herself. Madoka confirms she did, saying that she was used to doing it since she lent Luminas a hand with their own concert work. Rin thanks her once more, causing Madoka to voice how much she's looking forward to this. When they first joined Starlight Academy they were always together, but lately their time cut down the center, to the point they could only see each other during the morning and evening. Rin agrees with her, but claims that even then some things remain the same. Madoka appears confused by this.

The next morning the girls discuss their show with Akari, Hinaki, and Sumire. Since they will have time they agree to see it. Meanwhile, Orihime, Johnny, and Naoto discuss Madoka and Rin's concert. Orihime is very happy to see they are still close, with Johnny agreeing.

Later, the girls prepare to do some training. They go over their schedules to make sure they can get in as much training as possible. They start with jogging and comment on how long its been since they last jogged together. Then they practice their jumps, and dance late into the night.

Sumire is going over something when Akari joins her. They discuss seeing the two girls work so hard that day, and how much effort they put in to working together, and being together while they can, and this leads Akari to recall meeting them. She had been assigned the energetic and lively Rin, who amazed Akari with her dancing, while Sumire wound up with the charming Madoka. They seemed to be so different but they quickly formed a wonderful friendship. Sumire remarks that it may have had to do with being roommates, and brings up that she and Akari went through the same thing. After agreeing, Akari mentions that she is excited to see them perform.

Meanwhile, the girls watch older Aikatsu performances; like Yurika performing Eternally Flickering Flame, Aoi with Stranger Alien, Otome's CHU-CHU♥RAINBOW, and Ichigo's Dance in the rain, in an attempt to determine which song to sing. It's then they land on Ichigo and Seira performing in their duo unit, and seeing their opposite nature makes Madoka wonder if their partnership is like their own. Rin gets inspired by this and shows a video of their song Friend, and Madoka eagerly agrees after she mentions how it fits their relationship.

The next day, Johnny approaches Orihime and Naoto. Naoto comments on how loud he is, but Orihime states that because he's like this, she feels at ease. If he were to ever be quiet, she'd start to worry. She likes him as he is, and he claims he won't ever change. He then brings up that he came because the concert is being held tomorrow, with Naoto saying that Madoka and Rin set up everything by themselves. As a teacher he's happy for them, but also a little worried.

Akari, Sumire, and Hinaki chat among themselves in the Cafeteria. They wonder how the performance will go as they don't really know any of the details yet.

Worn out from training, Madoka and Rin sit down. They are sure they've done everything, but with how much fun they were having they really don't want to stop. Rin suggests that with the time remaining they go out for some fun and Madoka agrees. After changing clothes the girls head out, with Rin revealing that she wanted to show Madoka something. As the girls walk through town, they catch the eye of several people, and eventually they come across a busy district, so Rin starts running with Madoka until they come across a large cafe. Madoka is surprised as she confesses wanting to visit this place, but she didn't know Rin knew that. Rin leads her inside to reveal a little birthday party was set up for her, incluing a macaron cake. She lights the candles as Madoka observes everything, deeply touched by her thoughtfulness.

They sit down to eat the cake together, with Madoka wanting to eat it all because she's so happy and it tastes really good. She's very surprised after learning Rin made it that day, and Madoka asks when she found the time to do it. Rin explains that it isn't the only surprise though, and she has Madoka observe the scenery at this time of day, and they look outside to find the sunset occuring at that moment. Madoka is deeply overwhelmed with emotion and she resumes eating to stop herself from crying.

Later the girls make their way back home by walking through the park. Madoka yells out that she loves Rin, but in doing so they get noticed by a couple. The two approach the girls and they compliment on how easy it was to spot the duo. The girl asks for Madoka's autograph, who then hands it to Rin afterwards. Madoka asks to see it, then makes a heart with the pen on their autograph before handing it back. The woman thanks her while the man asks if they go out together often, and the girls admit that they don't lately- but their friendship will always remain. The two wish the girls luck for the Starlight Queen Cup before they take off.

Back at the Dorms, Madoka comments on how much fun she had for the day, and with them in such good moods, Madoka teases Rin by saying she isn't nearly as happy as she is. They share a laugh before promising to put on their best performance tomorrow. Madoka then thanks Rin and claims to understand what Rin meant the other day now, in that no matter how busy they are they will always be best friends.

The following day, Madoka and Rin share a few words before they promise to make it a great performance. That they change into their school coords and appear on stage to perform.

Afterwards the girls leave the concert hall while discussing how their performance went. Rin asks if their unchanging feelings will always resonate with the fans and Madoka claims that even if it may not to the fans, it will to them.

Characters

 * Rin Kurosawa
 * Madoka Amahane
 * Akari Ōzora
 * Sumire Hikami
 * Hinaki Shinjō
 * Orihime Mitsuishi
 * Johnny Bepp
 * Naoto Suzukawa

Trivia

 * The songs CHU-CHU♥RAINBOW, stranger alien, Eternally Flickering Flame, Dance in the rain and KIRA☆Power had made a cameo appearance in this episode.
 * There is an error throughout Rin and Madoka's performance of Friend, in which they're shown singing during each others parts.
 * This is the first episode to actively acknowledge an idol's current or upcoming birthday.