ZOMBIE LAND SAGA (ゾンビランドサガ)

Last time on Zombie Land Saga...

You can ask me about what kind of relationship idols and fans should have,

but I sure as heck don't have a good answer!

And Ai-chan and Junko-chan got into a huge fight over it!

I wish they'd worry more about their own relationship than their relationship with fans!

That was a joke! Just a Sakura joke!

And wouldn't you know it?

We got the news Franchouchou would be performing at Saga Rock!

The best news ever at the worst possible time!

I seriously have no idea what to do!

Hawawagh! Or maybe even dwawawargh, y'know?!

We seriously gotta start practicing or we're gonna run out of time.

But I don't think we should do it without Junko-chan...

So you're just gonna leave Ai alone?

She said she was gonna practice, even if it was by herself.

I really don't know what to do.

Damn it... What do you think, shrimpy?

I think we should do the show, no matter what.

It'd be a huge waste if we let a chance like this pass us by.

Of course, I'd rather Junko-chan be with us, but...

How about you, Tae?

And you, Sis?

It's a good question...

I can't help but wonder if there's a way to get through to Junko-han.

No Unauthorized Access Absolutely None No Contact Allowed Stay Out

Well, she's been like that for almost two weeks.

What a difficult girl...

Okay! Let's just drag her ass out!

No, I think that'd just make it worse!

Okay! Forget it!

So which is it?

Damn it all! What are we gonna do?!

But Lily-chan, if we do appear at Saga Rock, what about afterwards?

Will we be going on without Junko-chan?

I don't want it to turn out that way, but...

Even if she hears that we didn't get to go on stage at Saga Rock,

I get the feeling Junko-chan won't ever come back to us.

What do we do...?

You're more mature than you look at times, Lily-han.

I think we should ask Kotaro-san!

Don't bother. He's totally useless.

It's fine! Once he sees what's going on, I'm sure he'll—

Figure it out your own damn self, you dumbass zombie!

Told you.

Episode 7 But It's Zombiemental SAGA

Even if we're dead, we want to make our dreams come true...

No, even if we're dead, we will make them come true!

Is that despair? Or is it hope?

We'll overcome a harsh fate, and even if we don't have a pulse, we'll press on!

Because that is our saga!

What's taken you so long?

Sorry...

We need to work on the timing for our moves right away.

We need to pick up the pace if we're going to make it.

O-Okay.

What?

Maybe we should talk to her...

Would you get a grip?

We need every last minute to rehearse.

We're already zombies, which means there's no telling what might happen...

But the new song's built around solos with you and Junko-chan.

I'll have to sing Junko's part.

On your own?!

Let's just get started.

You gonna be okay, Ai?

What else can we do?!

She's the one who has to figure her own stuff out!

I was talking about you, girl.

I can't worry about anything else right now.

Saga Rock!!

Saga Rock!!

Ai-chan! Are you okay?!

It's fine. These kinds of lessons were normal when I was alive.

But...

Tomorrow's the show.

Let's work on our final preparations.

Kicky blammo!

Zombies are supposed to be on the other side of the barricades, dumbass!

Sorry. How are you feeling, physically?

Other than being dead, fine...

Don't you think it's time you got out of here?

I just don't understand idols anymore.

You were on the net in my room, right?

Net...?

As in the internet.

You used the computer, right?

I'm not mad.

It's been thirty years since you died,

and things have changed a lot.

I really was shocked.

There are things that have become more convenient,

but they have their share of downsides.

Everyone having a connected device has made it so that anyone can post information...

but that makes it harder to keep anything private.

That sometimes means the private lives of idols.

In the Showa period, stuff that would amount to the scandal of a lifetime

leaks onto the internet almost every day.

But in spite of the risk that kind of exposure brings,

there are still idols who are at work.

And there's one other thing...

The biggest change in regard to how idols operate is the closeness with their fans.

The concept of "an idol you can see at any time" changed the industry,

and the physical distance between both sides has shrunk.

Which you saw at the photo session.

But... not everything is different.

Wanting to help fans dream.

Wanting to make them smile with dance and song.

The core nature of being an idol hasn't changed since the old days.

If you think the people who try to become idols now are any less noble,

then you're wrong.

Times have changed and, as a result, the type of idol people seek has changed.

I understand things are different now.

But I just... can't do it.

Then don't.

If you don't want to do photo sessions, turn them down.

There's no need to force yourself to conform.

But Ai-san said...

Just tell her, "That's my character."

Character?

Right.

There are things that make Ai herself, and things that make you different.

You girls are zombies, not robots.

Show the members of your group and the fans what you can do

while adhering to the style of an idol from the Showa period.

That said, it'd be difficult to do that on your own at the moment.

And, as a zombie, there's not much you can count on for support.

In order to make up for how extreme your quirks are,

you'll need your zombie comrades.

Remember this...

Franchouchou exists to support each other's wishes,

in spite of the different times they're from.

If you open up to them, they will help you.

When that happens, think about what you can do to repay them.

Tomorrow's forecast is clear in the morning with afternoon clouds

and potential thunderstorms.

There'll be a storm at Saga Rock.

Ai Mizuno was killed by a lightning strike while performing on an outdoor stage.

You're not the only one who's fighting against nerves!

If you're an idol, you belong on stage, Junko Konno!

When you've found your nerve, open that box.

And fix the door.

I'm seeing things...

Get some rest.

My body...

I can't stop it from reacting

because of my memories of what happened.

You're pushing yourself too hard.

I can't let this beat me.

When we were on stage that day...

Our CD had finally become a bestseller in Japan.

It felt like we were just really getting started...

We have to work hard to get as many fans as possible

so I can get back to where I was.

I'm sorry.

I was too slow.

It's okay. I'll just match up with you.

Saga Rock!!

I guess she's not coming...

We're running out of time!

Time's up. Get in.

But...

Get in.

Junko-chan!

Wait, please!

I want to go with—

Huh? Why do I feel déjà vu?

Junko-chan!

Don't help her!

Why not?!

On your feet, Junko!

You're not the type of girl who would let something like this stop you!

You hit her with a freaking van!